By Horn Africa News
MOGADISHU — The Commander of the Somali National Army’s Land Forces, Brigadier General Sahal Abdullahi Omar, has paid an official working visit to parts of Lower Shabelle region, accompanied by General Sebahattin Kalkan, the Commander of the Turkish military mission in Somalia, known as Turkisom.
The high-level delegation traveled to Number 50, a strategic area in Lower Shabelle, where they held closed-door meetings with Somali National Army officers and units stationed in the area. Discussions centered on intensifying ongoing military operations against Al-Shabaab and enhancing troop mobility across the region.
During the visit, the two commanders inspected the construction site of a new hospital in Number 50. The facility, once completed, is expected to provide critical medical services to both local communities and Somali troops deployed in the frontline areas. Both generals commended the progress of the project, noting that improved access to healthcare will significantly support soldiers engaged in operations and improve the well-being of civilians in the conflict-affected region.
The visit also featured in-depth consultations on how to accelerate joint military operations involving Somali forces and international partners. General Sahal urged his troops to redouble their efforts against Al-Shabaab, emphasizing their vital role in restoring peace and stability in Somalia.
For his part, General Kalkan reaffirmed Turkey’s long-term commitment to supporting Somalia’s armed forces through training, equipment, and capacity-building programs. He stressed that the security partnership between Somalia and Turkey continues to grow stronger and remains essential for building a resilient national army.
Military analysts say the visit underscores the deepening security cooperation between Somalia and Turkey, while also boosting the morale of Somali troops on the frontlines of the battle against Al-Shabaab in Lower Shabelle.
