(01-06-23) MOGADISHU — Somalia’s Infantry Commander, General Mohamed Tahliil Bihi, on Thursday, visited the coastal town of Mareeg, located within the Eldheer district in the Galgaduud area, a region that was previously under Al-Shabaab’s control. Mareeg, which is approximately 28 kilometres from the central district, had served as a landing point for Al-Shabaab’s armaments and explosives.
This coastal region, which once bore witness to a host of illegal activities, has recently seen a renewed presence of different defence forces, including the coast guards, who were deployed here after the Somali National Army wrested control from Al-Shabaab. The extremist group had previously prohibited locals from visiting the beach, using it instead as a hub for smuggling weapons and explosives, creating fear and insecurity among the local populace.
The visit to Mareeg’s coast by civilians from Eldheer district and other regions of the country signifies a new era of peace and potential for the area. Notably, the region has seen significant progress in the fight against Al-Shabaab since the successful military operations conducted last year in 2022.
