Somalia, May 17 – Somalia’s army chief visited military units undergoing training in the central Galgaduud region, as the government seeks to strengthen security operations against Al-Shabaab ahead of anticipated local elections in Galmudug state.

Commander of the Somali National Army, Ibraahim Mohamed Mohamud, inspected troops at a military training school in Hananbuure alongside the commander of the army’s 21st Division, Mohamed Dhagawayne, and other senior officers, officials said.

The visit focused on assessing the readiness of the soldiers, the quality of their training and combat skills, and encouraging the troops to strengthen their discipline and operational capabilities.

Addressing the soldiers, the army chief urged them to enhance their professionalism and preparedness to defend the country and support ongoing operations targeting the militant group Al-Shabaab, which continues to operate in parts of southern and central Somalia.

The inspection comes amid expectations that Galmudug will hold one-person, one-vote elections, against a backdrop of growing political tensions over the electoral process and differing positions among regional leaders.