(16-10-23) MOGADISHU — President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of the Federal Republic of Somalia made a high-profile visit to the Mogadishu Air Force Base of the Somali National Army on Monday. The visit served to receive the return of troops from Eritrea and is seen as a key step in the country’s ongoing fight against the extremist group Al-Shabaab.
The Ministry of Defence issued a statement, revealing that the returned forces include units from the land, air, and sea branches of the military. Some of the troops have been in Eritrea for extended periods, while others were dispatched earlier this year and have now been expediently repatriated.
The return of these troops provides more than just a military milestone; it also offers relief to families who have been anxiously awaiting their relatives’ return. The MoD statement underscored that these troops are “well-trained and committed,” now ready to contribute to the national objective of a safer Somalia.
During his visit, President Mohamud ordered the newly arrived units to prepare for operations aimed at the eradication of Al-Shabaab. In doing so, he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to neutralising the extremist threat. The President praised the troops for their resilience and high level of training, stating that they are crucial to the success of Somalia’s national security plans.
This event follows President Mohamud’s fourth visit to Eritrea since he came into power last year. According to government sources, about 8,000 troops from all branches of the military have been trained in Eritrea. This sends a clear signal to Al-Shabaab and other extremist groups that Somalia is intensifying its efforts to secure peace and stability.
The President’s visit comes at a critical juncture, as Somalia looks to galvanise both its military and the public against the threat posed by extremist factions. It lays the groundwork for future operations aimed at restoring lasting peace to the region.
Halqabsi News
