MOGADISHU (SD) -Somalia’s Minister of Defense, Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur (Jama), held a press conference today to address critical issues regarding diplomatic tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia.

The Minister announced a significant decision against Ethiopia, stating that its troops would not be part of the upcoming AUSSOM operation unless they withdrew from their agreement with the Somaliland administration. Jama emphasized that this new operation is set to begin soon and will replace the long-standing ATMIS mission in Somalia.

He further asserted that if Ethiopian forces opposed Somalia’s decision, they would be viewed as occupying forces within the country, leaving the possibility of armed resistance open.

This announcement follows recent comments from President Hassan Sheikh, who indicated that Ethiopian troops had forcefully taken control of airports and key roads in the Gedo region, located in the southern part of Somalia.

In light of these developments, Somalia has prepared alternatives to Ethiopian forces, having recently reached an agreement with Egypt to send 10,000 soldiers to Somalia.