Mohamud in Aadan Yabaal to mobilize more troops for an anti-terror offensive.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud arrived in Aadan Yabal district in the Middle Shabelle region on Wednesday as part of his ongoing mission to mobilize troops in the fight against Al-Shabaab.
He was warmly received by Ali Guudlaawe, the leader of HirShabelle regional state, General Ibrahim Sheikh Mukhtar, Chief of the National Army, military officials, parliamentarians, and local community members.
Stringent security measures were in place in Aadan Yabaal in anticipation of the president’s visit. This visit is part of his broader campaign to rally forces and local militias for an operation aimed at reclaiming territories controlled by Al-Shabaab.
Prior to arriving in Aadan Yabal, the president spent four days in Mahas district in central Hiiraan region. During his time in Mahas, Mohamud reached an agreement with local leaders to form a unified front against Al-Shabaab. This effort comes in the midst of a dispute between the former governor of Hiiraan region, Ali Jayte Osman, and Guudlaawe.
Jayte, a key figure in the fight against Al-Shabaab in Hiiraan, rejected Guudlaawe’s decision in June to replace him as governor and subsequently declared Hiiraan a separate federal state.
While the feud remains unresolved, Mohamud has urged Jayte and his supporters to prioritize the fight against Al-Shabaab.
During his visit to Aadan Yabal, the president is expected to inspect the troops, address local clan leaders, and meet with the stationed soldiers.
This marks the president’s second visit to Aadan Yabal, having previously visited the area in March when it was newly liberated from Al-Shabaab control.
