Mogadishu — The commander of the Somali National Army, Major General Ibrahim Mohamed Mahmoud, joined frontline soldiers for the Ramadan fast-breaking meal in the Middle Shabelle region, where government forces are engaged in ongoing operations against militants.
During the visit, the army chief praised the troops for what he described as their courage and sacrifice in defending the country and confronting enemy forces, saying they represent a cornerstone of Somalia’s security and stability.
Mahmoud urged the soldiers to intensify their operations to strengthen security and protect Somali civilians, according to a statement from the military.
The commander also received briefings from officers leading units deployed along the front lines in Middle Shabelle, who outlined the security situation and progress made in recent operations against militant fighters.
Somali forces, often backed by local community fighters, have in recent months stepped up military campaigns aimed at weakening insurgent groups operating in central parts of the country.
