Somali president Hassan Sheikh: You're either with us or with Al-Shabaab

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has yet again fired warning shots at the people of the federal republic of Somalia, noting that the time has come for them to collaborate in the fight against Al-Shabaab militants, who control large swathes of rural central and southern Somalia.

Speaking after Janazah of slain Mogadishu Police Commander Brigadier Farhan Qarole, President Hassan Sheikh maintained that the onslaught against the militants will be intensified in areas still under the control of the group, urging that citizens should also join.

While noting the destruction done by the militants, Hassan Sheikh maintained that there is "no neutrality" in the war against terrorism, adding that it's the singular duty of peace-loving Somalis to help fight the group which has been claiming the lives of innocent civilians.

"You either with us or with Al-Shabaab [radical group]," he asserted after performing a funeral prayer for martyr Farhan Qarole, who was killed by the militants, in an attack on Mogadishu, the capital of the Horn of Africa nation which is fighting instability.

"Every Somali citizen should be involved in this fight," he added while noting that more people have volunteered to fight alongside the national army, the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia [ATMIS] and the US Africa Command which has been helping to fight the militants.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud insists Al-Shabab extremists' days are numbered, warning sneaking to terrorists' hideouts for an extortion payment. "By the time you went, you violated your rights", the head of state stressed, while paying tributes to soldiers who are involved in the war.

Al-Shabaab militants have been counting losses in Galgaduud, Hiiraan and Bay regions following operations by the military, which has seen even citizens join the fight, which could trigger questions about ownership of weapons in the porous and fragile country.

In honour of Brigadier Farhan Qarole, the government said Haram’ad Headquarters will be named “General Farhan”.” Somali Police Chief Gen Hijaar said after he spoke at the Funeral of the late Banadir Regional Commissioner, a key pillar behind peace in the country.

GAROWE ONLINE