Djibouti Troops on Alert Against Al-Shabaab in Somalia as Militants Gain Ground

JALALAQSI, Somalia — Colonel Abdirahman Rayaale, commander of the 4th Division of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), visited the district of Jalalaqsi town in Hiiraan region, central Somalia, to assess security conditions and community needs.

During his visit, Rayaale met closely with Djibouti troops deployed under AUSSOM in the area, commending their bravery and role in the fight against Al-Shabaab militants. He urged the troops to maintain vigilance and strengthen cooperation to consolidate recent gains.

Rayaale also held meetings with local officials, including Jalalaqsi district commissioner Nur Absuge and local forces commander Colonel Abdinasir Ali, focusing on enhancing security collaboration and joint efforts against Al-Shabaab. Officials agreed on the importance of fully unifying operations and community partnerships.

The commander’s visit extended beyond military matters to the Jalalaqsi General Hospital, where he received briefings from healthcare workers and hospital management. The visit aimed to understand the humanitarian and health challenges facing the community and explore ways to increase support.

The trip comes amid broader efforts by AUSSOM and the Somali government to stabilize areas liberated from Al-Shabaab, seeking lasting peace through close cooperation between security forces, local authorities, and civilians.

GAROWE ONLINE