​The Commander of the Ground Forces, General Khalid, stated that the Federal Government of Somalia has taken over Barawa District and will also take over the districts vacated by Ugandan troops.
​The Commander denied reports claiming that if the African Union forces leave the country, Somalia will fall into the hands of terrorists.
​He noted that the Federal Government of Somalia has prepared a large number of troops after recruiting thousands of soldiers.
​Khalid noted that the operation against al-Shabaab will continue and that they will eradicate them from the country.
​He stated that the terrorists and those opposing the government are a foreign project and are in Somalia to execute the interests of other governments.
