(12-04-23) MOGADISHU – On Wednesday, Prime Minister of Somalia, Hamza Abdi Barre, met with US Ambassador to Somalia, Larry Andre, at the Halane Embassy in Mogadishu. The meeting aimed to explore avenues for strengthening the relationship between the two countries, with a focus on security, counter-terrorism efforts, and cooperation against the Al-Shabaab group.
During the meeting, both parties discussed economic development, debt relief, and bolstering the multifaceted support that the United States provides to the Somali government. The United States has been one of the key supporters of the federal government in the fight against Al-Shabaab, providing arms and military supplies since the onset of the terrorist conflict.
The US government has previously stated that its support in the field of arms forms the backbone of the Somali government, which in turn strengthens the quality of the special forces, resulting in increased cooperation and more effective counter-terrorism efforts.
The US drones have escalated their attacks in Somalia since the beginning of operations against the Al-Shabaab, primarily targeting members and high-ranking officials within the terrorist organization.
Furthermore, the United States trains and provides salaries for the Danab forces of the Somali National Army, who are engaged in combat against the Al-Shabaab group. These forces are considered to be the most effective tool in Somalia’s arsenal against the extremist group. This meeting signifies the continued dedication of both the Somali and US governments to work together in combating terrorism and fostering economic development in the region.
