Mogadishu (SD) – The Minister of Defense of the Federal Government of Somalia, Hassan Hussein Haji, accompanied by the Commander of the Somali National Army, General Odawa Yusuf Rage, met today with the Commander of the United States Forces in Africa, AFRICOM Gen. Stephen Townsend.

The meeting came at the conclusion of a two day visit of the U.S. Army Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander, U.S. Africa Command to Somalia, according to an statement from AFRICOM.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed cooperation and military ties between the two governments and the intensification of the fight against Al-Shabaab terrorists, which are taking place in parts of the country where Al-Shabaab are known to be active.

They also discussed US support for the training of the Somali National Army, to strengthen the capacity of the armed forces.

The commander of US forces in Africa, AFRICOM, reiterated his government’s commitment to fighting Al Shabab.

“Al-Shabaab is a brutal enemy and a dangerous threat to America and Africa, we continue to work closely with our partners to degrade al-Shabaab’s ability to conduct operations and spread violence. America’s and Africa’s security depends on it.” Said Gen. Townsend.

AFRICOM Commander’s trip comes at a time when all 700 US troops were completely evacuated from Somalia two days ago, at request of the outgoing US President Trump.