MAHAS, Somalia – The president of Somalia Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is expected to pay a visit to a war zone town in Central region in the coming hour, an official said.
Speaking to Radio Shabelle over the phone, Mumin Mohamed Halane, the commissioner of Mahad District confirmed that the President will meet government troops and local clan fighters known as Ma’awisley vigilantes during his short stay.
Mahas lies 90 kilometers East of Beledweyne, Hiran regional capital.
The president’s trip comes as SNA prepares to begin second phase of the offensive against Al-Shabaab which will see the participation of frontline-states (Ethiopia, Kenya and Djibouti).
Mohamud has been bases temporarily in Dhusamareb, Galmudug state capital for more than a month on mission to mobolize the military Operations against Al-Shabaab.
During latest assault l, SNA captured Elbur which has been under Al-Shabaab control for 16 years. But, the troops left the city in what justice minister Hassan Moalim termed as a war strategy.