Somali Minister and US Commander Hold Security Talks

The Somali Defence Minister, Abdikadir  Nur, and the visiting commander of the US Africa Command, AFRICOM General Michael Langley have held security talks. discussed the war on terrorism during a meeting on Monday.

The meeting in which the war on terrorism was discussed was held at the US embassy in Mogadishu, it was also attended by US envoy, Larry Andre, and the Somali prime minister’s security adviser.

Mr. Nur said that he and the AFRICOM commander “shared mutual commitment in enhancing the capacity and capabilities of the Somali national armed forces, SNAF and fighting al-Shabab.”

“The federal government of Somali, FGS is appreciative of the role of AFRICOM in enhancing peace and security in the region,” he tweeted.

Meanwhile, The US embassy tweeted photos of Gen Langley’s visit to Mogadishu, saying Washington provides “security assistance that strengthens Somali and African Union, AU partners as Somalia assumes full responsibility for protecting the Somali people from extremist violence and extortion.”

The new Somali government has vowed to step up the fight against al-Shabab, which has intensified its attacks across the country this year.

BBC/CO