Mogadishu January 18, 2023 (SD) -The Special Envoy of the Chairman of the African Union (AU) and Head of the AU Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), Ambassador Maxamed Al-Amiin Souef, has congratulated the Somali National Army on their recent liberation of the towns of Ceel-dheer, Xarardheere, Galcad and Xiindeere in the Galgudud and Mudug regions.

Ambassador Mohamed Al-Amiin Souef stated that they are pleased to see the Somali National Army reclaiming towns that have been under the control of Al-Shabaab for years and promised to continue providing the necessary support.

He also pointed out that Al-Shabaab has been weakened and, with the support of the Somali National Army, efforts will continue to remove them from all areas of Somalia for the benefit of the citizens’ safety.

ATMIS peacekeeping troops have not played a direct role in the current operations against Al-Shabaab, which are being carried out by the Somali National Army and local communities.