Thursday March 20, 2025
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud arrives at a frontline military base in Middle Shabelle, accompanied by elite Somali National Army (SNA) troops, as part of efforts to oversee and accelerate the ongoing offensive against Al-Shabaab.
Mogadishu (HOL) — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud returned to the frontlines on Thursday in Middle Shabelle as part of efforts to accelerate military operations aimed at eradicating Al-Shabaab from central Somalia.
The president arrived Thursday in Adale, where Hirshabelle regional leader Ali Abdullahi Hussein Guudlawe welcomed him alongside senior federal and state officials, military commanders, and security personnel. His visit comes amid intensified government offensives targeting Al-Shabaab strongholds in the region.
According to a statement from the Somali presidency, Hassan Sheikh is assessing battlefield progress, meeting with frontline military leaders, and engaging with local communities to reinforce the ongoing counterterrorism campaign.
“The president is closely monitoring frontline operations and engaging with Somali National Army commanders, Ma’awisley militias, and community leaders to sustain momentum in the fight against terrorism,” the statement read.
During his visit, Hassan Sheikh praised Hirshabelle residents for their continued support of government forces, promising that military operations are progressing toward the full liberation of Al-Shabaab-held territories.
His trip to Adale follows a similar frontline tour on Wednesday, where he visited Aadan Yabaal and Moqokori in Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle. There, he held discussions with military commanders and Ma’awisley militia leaders to strengthen coordination in the anti-Al-Shabaab offensive.
