The Minister of Defense, Ahmed Ma’alin Fiqi said on Monday that the Somali National Army (SNA) backed by local defense forces inflicted heavy defeat on the militant group of Al-shabab during armed clashes that took place in the border area between Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle provinces. He commended the Somali troops and Ma’awisley forces from Hiiraan region that they have taught a lesson to the militant group of Al-shabab.
He gave an interview to the state run media, he sent congratulations to the Somali National Army (SNA) and the local defense forces who are in the defense positions or are in the frontlines, and who are pursuing the militant group of Al-Shabab. The Somali National Army (SNA) and local defense forces who crossed from the border of these regions are current stationed in an area that is not far away from Adan Yabaal district in Middle Shabelle province.
The militant group of Al-Shabab are in control of Adan Yabaal town since the start of April after they seized the town from the Somali troops. Reports say that tension is running high in Adan Yabaal while families who recently returned to their homes have a fear that fighting will resume in the district. It is not clear what the future holds for the district and who will govern it in the future. The Defense minister, Ahmed Ma’alin Fiqi told recently that the Somali gov’t will ensure that the militant group of Al-shabab will be flushed out soon from the area they took control.
He revealed that the dismantling of the terrorist group like Al-shabab and ISIS, the Somali gov’t will cooperate with African Union troops who are stationed in Somalia and other int’l ones. He stated that they are of the same opinion which is to eradicate terrorist group from Somalia. He disclosed that the blood of the Somali populace will be shed in a deserted place but will be used as a vehicle to install administrations in settlements liberated from the militant group of Al-shabab. He called on the Somali populace to participate in the fight which is aimed to drive out the militant group of Al-Shabab and ISIS from the country in order the army must ensure victory.
He urged that they should not be disappointed with if the terrorist groups return to a village or a town but must double their efforts and fight. He said: “ After 18 years, these groups, they are not taking us anywhere. They are shedding the blood of the Somali populace whose interest is that there will not be a gov’t in Somalia. They are the ones who extort money from the Somali people and suck their blood and take away their wealthy.” He said: “These groups, we cannot see them. We must unite to drive them out of the country.” Al-Shabab is the biggest threat to national security in Somalia and Africa. They are against the Somali gov’t.
