Somali Gov't reenergizes anti-Al-Shabaab operations

Mogadishu(Mogadishu24)-The National Security Adviser to the President of Somalia, Hussein Sheikh Ali commented on government’s strategy for achieving national security after the withdrawal of ATMIS forces from the country.

Hussein Sheikh elaborated on various aspects of the government’s plan, including assuming control of national security, the withdrawal of the ATMIS forces, the potential lifting of the arms embargo on Somalia, the establishment of a national army, and the ongoing fight against Al-Shabaab.

The first phase of the war against Al-Shabaab is nearing its conclusion, with plans to initiate the second phase involving the participation of troops from frontline countries.

He emphasized that a timeline of 18 months has been set to liberate the country from Al-Shabaab, and ensuring the completion of the ATMIS drawdown granting the Somali government full control over territorial security.

Hussein Sheikh stated that the funds previously allocated to the ATMIS army by European Union countries will now be transferred to the Somali national army. Furthermore, the salaries of the 2,000 ATMIS forces have been redirected to the Somali national army.