Somalia: Southwest state to deploy extra troops to Merca

MERCA, Somalia, August 31, 2015 (Garowe Online)-Interim Southwest state administration is planning to send additional security forces into Lower Shabelle regional capital of Merca of southern Somalia, Garowe Online reports.

Southwest State President, Sharif Hassan Sheikh Adan unveiled the fresh deployment a day after he toured the town popular with exotic beaches and white buildings along with the Chairman of parliamentary sub-committee on Defense Hussein Arab Isse.

“Swift security changes will take place in Merca town and we are dismayed at the suffering of locals in the past,” said Adan, adding that new forces will be in charge of security.

He noted that Lower Shabelle regional administration will be completed in a step towards addressing the standing challenges in the region.

“Al Shabaab should not be feared, our fate remains in the hands of Allah Almighty. They are criminals who want to hide in our midst and we must cooperate to counter them”.

Adan and Isse visited Merca coastal town as part of probes of civilian deaths by African Union troops.

African Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM) previously stated that they noted allegations against peacekeepers with serious concern, forming a joint oversight committee in a meeting with parliamentary sub-committee on defense in Mogadishu. 

GAROWE ONLINE