Hiiraan State Resumes Offensive Against al-Shabaab Following Devastating Attack

Hiiraan State Resumes Offensive Against al-Shabaab Following Devastating Attack

Ali Jeyte Osman, the President of Hiiraan State, announced the resumption of military operations against al-Shabaab in the Hiiraan region. This declaration was made the day after a particularly devastating al-Shabaab attack resulted in the tragic loss of over 36 lives, leaving an additional 40 individuals injured in the Beledweyne town.

Osman, who previously served as the governor of Hiiraan, unveiled plans for the new extensive operations during a prayer event in Tedan village. This event was organized to honor the brave individuals who lost their lives during a previous offensive that liberated the eastern part of the Hiiraan region. Spearheading the military operation was traditional elder Elmi Hagar Guure, who tragically lost his life during the operations.

Condemnation of al-Shabaab Attack

The Somali President, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, as well as the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), publicly condemned the deadly al-Shabaab suicide attack that took place in Beledweyne the prior Saturday. The assault involved a truck filled with explosive devices at a taxation and security checkpoint at the former beverages factory building, Horseed. The truck managed to forcefully pass through the government-manned checkpoint. Eyewitnesses suggest that a pickup vehicle belonging to security personnel was in pursuit when the explosion occurred.

The prayer gathering occurred in the village of Tedan, a location of historical significance in the Hiiraan region. It was one of the first places where military operations against al-Shabaab were initiated the previous year.

Commitment to Continue the Fight

The main takeaway from the message is that despite the recent tragic al-Shabaab attack in Beledweyne, the Hiiraan State, under the leadership of President Ali Jeyte Osman, remains committed to its military operations against the terrorist group. The government’s dedication to the cause is evident in its decision to resume military operations and its public condemnation of al-Shabaab’s acts of violence. The prayer gathering in Tedan village served not only to honor the lives lost in the fight against al-Shabaab but also as a platform to announce the continuation of military operations against the militant group.