Somalia, EU discuss security and country’s transition plan

Somali minister for Defense Abdukadir Mohamed Nuur has held talks with European Union ambassador, Tiina Intelmann in Mogadishu amid Somalia had launched an offensive against Al-Shabaab in southern and central regions.

According to a statement, Nuur and Intelmann discuss on EU’s future support to Somali forces and the security of the country.

“Had a fruitful conversation with EU Amb. to Somalia, @TiinaIntelmann and European Union Training Mission in Somalia (EUTM) for their logistical support towards Somali National Forces. We further discussed on EU’s future support to Somali forces,” the statement reads in part.

The meeting was also attended by Somali National Army Chief, the ministry Director-General and other officials.

The meeting between the ambassador and the minister comes barely a day after Somalia claimed to have killed 70 al-Shabaab fighters in central Somalia.

Early Friday morning, heavily armed al-Shabaab fighters stormed Bahda town of Galgaduud region, prompting hours-long fighting with Somali forces.

The government claimed to have seized weapons from al-Shabaab fighters and defused Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED).