Somali Defense Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, in a press conference after government forces took control of the town of Bariire in Lower Shabelle region, said that there are foreign powers directly supporting the Al-Shabaab group.
The minister explained the goal of these powers and their intention to take over Somalia, but he revealed that the government has thwarted these plans.
The minister noted that the Somali government has made great efforts to thwart this plan, and has achieved great success in preventing foreign interference and support for terrorist groups.
“We clearly know that foreign governments are supporting the Al-Shabaab group to take control of the country, but fortunately, the Somali government has succeeded in preventing this,” said Minister Fiqi.
He added that the government will continue to fight against terrorist groups and anyone who supports them to ensure security and stability in the country.
The minister did not mention the governments behind Al-Shabaab, but recent reports have indicated that Al-Shabaab and the Yemeni Houthis, who are allies of the Iranian government, have collaborated.
