US committed to building Somalia’s defense capacity-AFRICOM commander

AFRICOM commander Gen. Stephen Townsend has reiterated his country’s commitment to bolstering security in Somalia and building its defense capabilities.

In a statement from the U.S embassy following Gen. Townsend’s visit to Somalia Tuesday, the Africa Command head also called for coordinated engagement among international partners to fighting terrorism in Somalia.

“Our commitment to helping our Somali partners improve security and develop their defense institutions is a top priority,” said Gen. Townsend. “Security also requires continued efforts and coordinated support from the international community to make it work.”

Townsend noted the threats posed by the terrorist networks to African partners, US interests in the region and US homeland, calling for vigilance and cooperation to keep both Somalia and the region safer.

The U.S military commander also sent a warning to terror groups in the continent noting they will be pursued until the end.

“Terrorists need to know that we will pursue them relentlessly to disrupt and degrade them today and prevent their spread tomorrow,” he said.

During his visit to Mogadishu, Gen. Townsend met with President Mohamed Farmaajo and top Somalia and US military leadership.

According to the statement, the visit offered an opportunity to meet with the troops and assess the progress of the campaign against terror networks in the region.