GalMudug forces after intensive fighting with Al-Shabaab militia for the last 4 days it pleased to see the end of this fighting that killed 115 militias and captured 110 militias that are in the hands of GalMudug State of Somalia. Few of the terrorists fled into the rural areas of GalMudug.

The President of GalMudug State of Somalia, H.E. Abdikarim Hussein Guled praised GalMudug security forces’ efforts and their swift response to conclude the fighting against terrorists groups. President Guled said "The people of GalMudug State hugely welcome the swift response of security forces to conclude the fighting against Al-Shabaab militia that fled from Puntland areas with the aim to re-group in GalMudug areas in order to lauch terrorist attacks. After 4 days fighting, security forces killed over 115 militias and captured 110 that are in custody. GalMudug State will treat those captured with dignity and care according to our religion, the laws of the land and the International laws and they will be given medical and food aid. However, there are small numbers that escaped and fled into rural areas.”

GalMudug President re-iterated the commitment of his administration to wipe-out terrorist groups in GalMudug areas as well as lending hand to other areas in order to eliminate all threats posed by terrorists. The President said that his administration is also ready to share intelligence and information and will fully cooperate, as security is paramount to the stability of the country. President Guled also said that Al-Shabaab’s strategy was to find bases in northern regions including Puntland and Somaliland areas that are stable.

GalMudug President appealed to the public, the Federal Government and to the International Community to fully support the fight against terrorist groups in GalMudug in order to eliminate all threats posed by terrorists in the country. President Guled said "The victory that GalMudug forces defeated Al-Shabaab for the last 4 days and the recent victory in Puntland requires our immediate and collective action to intensify the fight against terrorists in order to stop them re-grouping and finding a hide-outs that they can plan terrorist attacks. Therefore, I would like to appeal to our people to fully support security forces. I would also like to appeal to the Federal Government of Somalia and our International partners to provide timely support and assistance within the next few days such as ammunitions, weapons, vehicles, and all enablers so that we can stop terrorists to re-group and have time and space to launch attacks to destabilize the current stability in many areas of the country. Time is running out and we need to intensify the war against terrorists and to keep the current momentum that we are winning the fight.

Finally the President of GalMudug State says that there will be an amnesty of those young people that choose the path of peace and lay down their guns. President Guled said "I am aware that terrorists use child soldiers and force young people to fight. Therefore, GalMudug State appeals to those young people to take the offer of the amnesty and to join the peace process, as GalMudug State will guarantee their safety and well-being. I would also like to appeal to traditional leaders and all segments of the society to support the government’s amnesty so that our young people will be able to lay down guns so that they can be part of the peace process.”

ENDS