Mogadishu: The Somali Minister of Foreign Affairs Ahmed Moallim Fiqi Ahmed confirmed today that the Al-Shabaab movement has been significantly weakened following two consecutive years of sustained military operations by the Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF).

According to Qatar News Agency, the minister explained that the military operations included direct attacks and drying up sources of funding. He stressed that armed groups will not be able to control the country in the future, praising the steadfastness and courage of the Somali people in confronting these groups.

Fiqi also called on politicians and various segments of society to support and stand by the Somali National Army, noting that the army, whether on the battlefronts or in its barracks, represents the first line of defense for the nation.

It is worth noting that Somali forces have been fighting Al-Shabaab for more than a decade and have managed to regain control of several areas in the central and southern parts of the country within months.