Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre in a recent visit in Beledweyne met Hirshabelle President Ali Guudlaawe, his Vice President, and community members where he was briefed on the drought situation in Hiiraan region of Somalia.
Equally important, the PM was briefed on the ongoing security operations against the Al-Qaeda affiliated Al-Shabaab in the region. The Islamist militant group has continued to mount attacks against security and civilian targets from across the regions of central and southern Somalia.
PM Barre underscored that his visit to Beledweyne was to build up troop morale as government forces continue their concerted offensive against Al-Shabaab.
“I have repeatedly stated that my government will prioritize the liberation of Al-Shabaab-controlled areas in the country. I came to Beledweyne to encourage and support the people of this region who have fought bravely against the Al-Shabaab insurgency. Your countrymen will follow you,” Prime Minister Barre stated.
The PM noted that water wells have been blown up and destroyed by Al-Shabaab in Matabaan and Mahaas areas and subsequently directed that they be rebuilt immediately to serve the residents.
He noted that Al-Shabaab is a cruel group that can only be defeated if citizens join hands with Somali national army besides other allied troops in providing with any actionable intelligence/information on Al-Shabaab movements and plans. The PM reiterated that Somali government support by other allied troops must and will liberate the small parts in the Hiiraan region and throughout the country where the militants still control for the prosperity of the region.
