Hiiraan Online
Tuesday, May 26, 2015
AFGOYE (HOL)---- Somalia's president has made a rare visit to the front line of the country's Lower Shabelle region, spending hours with his troops in a tense town where militants have carried out multiple attacks since last week.
State media showed footages of Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in a military uniform, addressing soldiers who have been battling the Al-Qaeda linked Al-Shabab fighters for years during which some of their
comrades were killed.
"You are the heroes and pillars helping our country to stand on its feet again." said Mr. Mohamud flanked by his defence minister and military officials. "You made our enemy hopeless and despair."
The restive Lower Shabelle region has seen frequent deadly attacks by Al-Shabab which overrun several towns, including the agricultural Janale town.
Security anaylsts say that despite military losses, the group makes a steady comeback by recapturing towns lost to the allied Somali and African Union troops, a development that may reverse gains made for the past few years.
During his visit, Somalia's president along with the chief of armed forces forces announced the promotion of dozens of soldiers including fallen ones for their 'heroic' patriotism.
Answering critical questions on the reasons behind promotions for fallen soldiers, Somalia armed forces chief Gen. Dahir Adan Indho Qarsho exemplified the former central government's promotion to the late national hero Mohamed Abdi Halane who was killed in the Somali-Ethio border dispute in 1964.
"It shows recognition of heroism and nationalism." He said.