(21 Mar 2025) MOGADISHU (Halqabsi News) – Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre chaired an emergency security meeting on Friday, focusing on the escalating threats to Mogadishu and its surrounding areas, amid intensified counterterrorism operations across the country.
The meeting, held at the Office of the Prime Minister, included senior security officials and discussed plans to reinforce capital security, accelerate military campaigns, and mobilise public cooperation in the fight against Al-Shabaab.
In a bold declaration, Prime Minister Hamza announced that his government would relocate to the frontlines of the ongoing offensive against the militant group. He described Al-Shabaab as being in a “final and desperate phase” and called on all Somalis to unite in protecting their communities and supporting the armed forces.
“We must seize this historic opportunity to defeat the Khawarij once and for all,” the prime minister said, using the government’s term for Al-Shabaab.
Hamza also instructed security agencies to tighten safety measures in Mogadishu, especially during the final days of Ramadan and ahead of the Eid celebrations.
The meeting follows reports of Al-Shabaab militants briefly appearing on the outskirts of Mogadishu, including Ceelasha Biyaha, where they staged propaganda photos while stopping civilian vehicles. The group’s attempt to broadcast fear via social media has triggered public alarm.
The emergency meeting comes as President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud remains stationed at the frontlines, directly overseeing military operations and mobilising support from national forces and community-based militias in the fight to eradicate Al-Shabaab from Somalia.
Halqabsi News
