US lauds Somalia’s war on Al-Shabaab, pledges continued support

GOOBJOOG NEWS|WASHINGTON: The US government has pledged its continued support to Somalia’s war against the militant group Al-Shabaab as African Union forces leave the country.

Speaking during a meeting with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in Washington, defence Secretary Lloyd Austin praised the ongoing efforts against terrorism in Somalia and reiterated his country’s support.

“I’ve been encouraged to hear of the continued success of the current phase of Somali-led operation against al-Shabaab in central Somalia,” Austin said. “Our cooperation on these operations is crucial, and we stand ready as your partner as you defend yourselves against these dangerous and violent forces.”

The US minister added that his country was ready to support Somalia ‘against other dangers, including providing effective responses to climate shocks such as the current drought.’

President Mohamud will this evening address the UN Security Council in New York where he will be pushing for the lifting of the arms embargo which has been in place since 1992.