Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has directed Somali forces to intensify operations against al-Shabaab fighters in the south and central Somalia.
Following a meeting with the Somali cabinet this week, President Hassan vowed that his government liberate all areas under al-Shabaab control.
The president urged the public to collaborate with the government and work for hand in hand with Somali forces.
Mohamud calls on the cabinet ministers to give priority to the fight against Al-Shabaab since the group is a major threat to security.
The remarks of the president come amid Somali forces in collaboration with local militias enhancing operations against al-Shabaab in several regions. The joint forces liberated dozens of towns and villages in Hiiraan and Galgaduud regions.
The government has claimed to have killed dozens of al-Shabaab fighters in clashes with Somali forces.
Al-Shabaab has been fighting Somali forces backed by African Union African Transition Mission in Somalia (Atmis) for the last decade.
The group currently control villages and towns in central and southern Somalia.
