AMARA, Somalia – The Galmudug state president on Wednesday made a visit to the frontlines in the southern Mudug region after the SNA and allies captured more ground.

Al-Shabaab felt the brunt of the army’s war, with a senior commander hinting that a brewing offensive could come “very soon.” The country plans to root out Al-Shabaab.

Accompanied by Defense Minister Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur and Deputy Information Minister Abdirahman Al-Adala, Ahmed Qoor-Qoor praised the troops for their sacrifices.

The SNA and local fighters took back control of most areas in the Galgadud and Mudug regions, which the government saw at the end of the major offensive began last year.

After pushing out the strategic areas and towns, the army made some retreats, including Elbur, a key Al-Shabaab bastion in Galgadud, which returned to the group’s hands.

Somali President Hassan Sheikh has been based in Dhusamareb, Galmudug state capital for months on a mission to coordinate military operations and boost the army’s morale.