The Commander of the Somali National Army, Brig. Gen. Ibrahim Mohamed Mohamud, has promoted the troops who took part in the operation to reopen the key road connecting Mogadishu and Baidoa, which has been blocked by Al-Shabaab for 14 years.
Speaking to units of the army in Baidoa, the commander praised the success of the operation, saying that the enemy had caused great hardship to the people traveling along the road. He noted that the victory was one that pleased the entire Somali people, and that there was a need to strengthen security in the areas that the troops had taken over.
Ibrahim Mohamed Mohamud awarded the troops with one rank of promotion, promising that the officers and deputy officers who led the operation would also receive a similar promotion.
“I thank you from the bottom of my heart. As much as I can, I have promoted you one rank, and the officers who led you have also made a similar promise,” the commander said.
He added: “The long road connecting Mogadishu and Baidoa, which has been a checkpoint for the Khawarij since 2009, is a great victory for you, and you continue to pursue their escape. Thank you for this great victory that you have brought to your nation.”
The Somali government has previously announced that the long road between Mogadishu and Baidoa has been reopened, following heavy fighting in the Daynuunay area of Bay region, where a major defeat was inflicted on Al-Shabaab, according to the government.
