In the vibrant halls of Mogadishu’s newly inaugurated Hodan Hospital, a strong voice echoed, promising an end to the cycle of fear and violence gripping Somalia. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, determined and resolute, has set his sights on vanquishing the international terrorist forces that have long cast shadows over the Horn of Africa nation.
Why does Somalia continuously find itself tangled in this relentless struggle against terror? President Mohamud, addressing the nation with unwavering clarity, proposed a holistic approach. It wasn’t merely about combating the immediate terror threats posed by the notorious al-Shabaab and the nefarious ISIS (Daesh). Instead, he underscored the urgent need to bolster the country’s health infrastructure. “Our brave soldiers, the guardians of our peace, deserve the best care,” Mohamud declared, his eyes reflecting a blend of hope and determination. He envisages a future where wounded warriors receive the healing they richly deserve, in state-of-the-art facilities like the newly opened hospital.
Monday’s ceremony wasn’t solely about healthcare. It was also a testament to the collaborative spirit shared between Somalia and the United States. The President warmly commended the recent precision strikes carried out by the US in the northern stretches of Northeastern State. These actions underscored, as Mohamud eloquently put it, “the robust partnership in our joint fight against the faceless enemy of terrorism.” This decisive action, sanctioned during the Trump administration, serves as a potent reminder of the shared commitment between the nations to root out terror.
The decision to target ISIS strongholds is part of a broader strategy spearheaded by the US Africa Command (AFRICOM). A recent airstrike succeeded in eliminating two key operatives, marking the third such raid in under two months. This relentless pursuit of peace reflects a broader narrative. It is one of liberation—freeing territories long held in the clutches of fear and tyranny.
Wednesday’s airstrikes were notably successful, reportedly neutralizing over 30 ISIS militants in the rugged terrains of the Almiskaad mountains within Northeastern State’s Bari region. For months, Somali security forces have been diligently working to reclaim lands from terrorist occupiers. These efforts resonate deeply across the nation, creating ripples of hope in places formerly subdued by terror.
Amid these developments, it’s crucial to ponder: Why has Somalia, for so long, been ensnared within this web of insecurity? The roots trace back to 2007, when al-Shabaab embarked on its insurgent campaign against the Somali government and the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). Authorized by the African Union and sanctioned by the UN Security Council, ATMIS represents a multidimensional endeavor to restore stability.
President Mohamud, since declaring an “all-out war” on al-Shabaab, has witnessed a dramatic escalation in the group’s aggression. This reaction, though violent, spotlights a measure of the threat they feel against Mohamud’s leadership. Despite the persistent struggles, a sense of quiet optimism pervades these times. The incremental victories, the restoration of once-lost territories, and the dwindling power of terrorist enclaves reflect tangible progress.
As the sun sets over Somalia, the path ahead, though fraught with challenges, brims with promise. A promise not just of a nation reborn under the aegis of peace, but of a resilient people reclaiming their identity and land. In President Mohamud’s words, Somalia is on an inexorable march toward a future where freedom from terror is more than just a dream—it is an inevitable reality.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International–Monitoring
