Monday June 19, 2023
Mogadishu (HOL) - Somalia's Cabinet has appointed General Ibrahim Sheekh Muhyadin Adow as the new Commander of the Somali National Army, replacing General Odawaa Yusuf Raagge, who has held the position since 2019.
The newly appointed Commander brings extensive military experience, having previously served in various positions, including as the Commander of the 60th Brigade of the Presidential Guard.
Former President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo appointed General Odawaa, and his removal comes amidst an ongoing offensive against al-Shabab in the southern part of the country.
Last August, an intensive government offensive began after the election victory of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and has made significant gains in eroding the group's control of vast swathes of Somali land.
Despite suffering significant casualties during recent operations, al-Shabab militants have intensified their attacks both in the regions and in the capital city of Mogadishu.
Earlier this month, Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni confirmed the deaths of 54 Ugandan soldiers in an al-Shabab attack on a base housing African Union peacekeepers in Bulamarer, located 130 kilometers (80 miles) southwest of Mogadishu, the Somali capital.
Al-Shabab has been fighting since 2006 to replace Somalia's Western-backed government with its own rule based on a strict interpretation of Islamic law.