MOGADISHU Somalia, March 24, 2016
Somali’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud conveyed a congratulatory message to Puntland forces for major victory against the Al-Shabaab terrorist group.
In the last one week Puntland forces has been able to eliminate 173 Al-Shabaab fighters and capturing over 100 others who had been cornered in Suuj valley and in Dhinowda vicinity.
Captured militants included child solders as young as 9 years, kidnapped or forcefully recruited into the jihadist camps with promises of education or jobs in Yemen.
In a press statement on Wednesday 23rd March 2016, President Mohamud lauded the acts of heroism demonstrated by Puntland troops in the course of cleanup operations in the coastal villages along Indian Ocean.
“I cordially welcome, and congratulate brave Puntland soldiers on the historic victory over Al Shabaaab terrorist group, which is infamous for un-Islamic and inhumane brutality,” President Mohamud quoted in the statement.
President Mohamud said the defeat of Al-Shabaab by Puntland forces is an indicative that the militant group could be annihilated in the fewer areas remaining under their control.
Somalia Federal Government and regional administration will continue working hand in hand in the fight against the insurgent groups. The president also said the Federal government will continue supporting the regional forces with weaponry while rebuilding Somali National Army (SNA) remains his government's top priority.
