Somali President holds crucial talks with US Secretary of Defense in Djibouti
On Sunday, Somali President Hassan Mohamud traveled from Dhusamareb Town in Central Galmudug State, where he had been overseeing the offensive against Al-Shabab, to Djibouti for a crucial meeting with the US Defense Secretary.
Mohamud provided Austin with an update on the advancements made by the Somali government in its offensive against Al-Shabab, and the two leaders explored avenues to enhance the security partnership between the US and Somalia.
Austin commended the remarkable strides achieved by Somali forces in countering Al-Shabab but emphasized that the group still poses a significant threat. He reassured Mohamud of the US’s unwavering commitment to assist Somalia in its mission to defeat Al-Shabab.
“I believe that Somali forces have achieved more progress in the past year than in the preceding five years,” Austin stated during a press briefing in Djibouti.
The meeting also comes two days after a US contractor and a partner force member were injured in a small arms fire attack by Al-Shabaab on a military barracks in Kulbiyow, Somalia.
On Saturday, the group detonated a truck filled with explosives at a checkpoint in Beledweyne town, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 21 lives and causing injuries to over 50 individuals.
The US provides security support to the Somali government, including air support against Al-Shabab. Somali officials have recently requested a 90-day delay in the scheduled drawdown of African Union peacekeepers, citing the recent setbacks in the fight against Al-Shabab.
Austin did not comment on the Somali government’s request, but reiterated the US commitment to supporting Somalia in its fight against Al-Shabab.
