Ethiopian troops serving with the African Union mission in Somalia (AMISOM) met Wednesday elders in Gal’ad village, in a bid to mobilize for a fresh anti-militant push in Galgadud region.
Gal’ad is key village that fell to Somali and AMISOM troops last month after Al shabaab pulled its fighters out of the area.
Area administrator Qadar Mohamed Ali said Ethiopian army officers called on the local elders to work with security forces to restore peace and prevent Al shabaab attacks.
On the other hand, Ali said Gal’ad residents are facing acute shortage of food and lack of clean water, due to lack of sufficient seasonal rains and Al shabaab blockade on Govt-controlled towns.
He has urged the federal government of Somalia and international humanitarian agencies to assist starving children and women in the area and nearby rural villages.
