Somalia: Puntland President Visits forces stationed in Galgala Mountains

Puntland President Abdiweli Mohamed Ali on Tuesday visited Puntland defence forces stationed in Galgala mountain ranges, which are battling al-Shabaab insurgents hiding in the area.

He was accompanied by several ministers of his cabinet and senior military officers.

During his visit, the President thanked the troops for the sacrifices they have made throughout the battle with the militants and paid tribute to their successes.

‘’ Puntland can itself manage to tackle this terrorists and we will defeat them,’’ he said while talking to the troops.

It was the first time a Puntland President visited the area since the Galgala conflict started more than three years ago, after the al-Shabab linked militants started to gather in the mountains.

Last week, al-Shabab killed Puntland commander of troops stationed in Galgala area in a ambush and few days later a new commander was appointed by the Puntland defense forces Chief Gen Saeed Dheere.

Puntland leader had earlier accused Somaliland of funding and arming the al-Shabab terrorists in the Galgala Mountains.

Tensions between both sides increased after the separatists region President paid a surprise visit to Lasqoray district which is part of Sanag region last week, a visit which was condemned by Puntland authorities and accused the breakaway region of making ‘’border incursion’’ and creating unnecessary ‘’conflict’’.

Horseed Media