Ugaas Yusuf Ugaas Hassan Ugaas Khalif, speaking at a press conference held at his residence in the city of Beledweyne, stated that the people of the Hiiraan region are under attack and must defend their honor and their very existence.
Ugaas Yusuf noted that the people of Hiiraan are being attacked by individuals operating under the guise of a clan identity. He urged security forces hailing from the Hiiraan region to stand by his side and defend their homeland.
“People hiding behind a clan name have launched an attack on the people of Hiiraan. You must defend your honor and your existence. Security forces from the Hawadle clan should gather in the city of Beledweyne and stand with me—their Ugaas,” said Ugaas Yusuf Ugaas Hassan.
Ugaas Yusuf Ugaas Hassan remarked that, at present, there is no functioning government to defend; therefore, national security forces should not be deployed against the people of Hiiraan.
“You have seen what has become of the national forces—there is no government to defend today. I ask you to refuse to be used in a war against the people of Hiiraan. If you seek my blessing, come and stand with me; I invite every person from Hiiraan to come to my home tomorrow morning, fully prepared.” said Ugaas Yusuf.
Government troops departing from the Xananbuure area in the Galgaduud region are reportedly heading toward the city of Baladweyne, where they will assist in the defense of the Hirshabelle administration. This follows an incident in which *macawisley* (local militia) forces surrounded the residence of Hirshabelle Vice President Abdifatah Hassan Afrah in the Ceel Jaale neighborhood.
