Somali Gov’t Sends Troop Reinforcements to Galgaduud to Help in the Fight Against Al-Shabaab

In a strategic move to enhance gains made in the war against Al-Shabaab, the Somali government has dispatched 1,500 additional troops to Galgadud region in the central Galmudug state of Somalia.

The newly deployed troops consist of Somali National Army forces and local militias known as Ma’awisley. They were initially stationed in the Adale district of the Middle Shabelle regional state where preparations for their deployment were undertaken.

During a farewell speech to the troops, Member of Parliament Yasin Abdullahi emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting them in every way possible. “I want to assure you that we, as the government, are aware of the struggle and the efforts you make [in fighting Al-Shabaab], and it will not go unnoticed,” he told the troops.

Ali Gamadule, an official from the Somali National Army, also spoke at the event. He highlighted the vital role the forces will play in the ongoing operations in Galmudug aimed at liberating the region from the grip of Al-Shabaab.

Addressing the recent withdrawal of Somali troops from some areas in Galmudug including Owsweyne, Gamadule defended the move as a strategic reorganization of the army and that the forces will soon return.

The fight against Al-Shabaab remains a top priority for the Somali government with the objective of securing the nation and fostering stability. President Hassan Mohamud stressed on Friday that without defeating or significantly reducing the capabilities and threat of Al-Shabaab, Somalia cannot progress in terms of state-building and development.