Ethiopian peacekeeping force begins operation in Kismayo

Addis Ababa, January 13, 2016 (FBC) –Ethiopian peacekeeping force has begun operations in Kismayo, Jubbaland, after receiving a new quarter, according to the Ministry of Defense of Ethiopia.
Ethiopian troops were deployed at the new additional district based of the request from the people and government of Somalia, it said.

Upon its arrival at the Kismayo Airport, the Wegagen 1st regiment peacekeeping force was accorded a warm welcome by high level government officials of the Jubaland.

Chief Commander of Kismayo troops, General Mudin Hassen, on the occasion lauded Ethiopia’s efforts to bring peace in Somalia and to drive out Al-Shabaab for the country.

Chief Commander of Wegagen 1st regiment peacekeeping force, Col. Tesfaye Negasa, on his part said the regiment has previous played an irreplaceable role by expelling Al-Shabaab from Barder town, which had been under control by the terrorist group for eight years.

The deployment of Ethiopian troops in Kismayo is a bad news for the terrorist group, he said.

“We are ready to efficiently fulfill our mission of liberating the people of Kismayo from the threat of Al-Shabaab and bring peace in the region,” he said.