Somali President Appoints New Army Commanders

Somali President, Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo on Thursday appointed new infantry commander of Somali National Army (SNA).

In Presidential decree, President Farmajo named Brigadier General Abdihamid Mohamed Dirir.

Dirir will replace Gen. Odawaa Yussuf who was promoted as SNA chief.

The president also appointed Brigadier General Mohamed Ali Barise as the new deputy army chief.

The development comes amid the Somali army backed by African Union Mission in Somalia intensified operation to fight against al-Shabaab fighters.

The forces managed to liberate several villages in the Lower Shabelle region.