Total exit of al-Shabaab will end fighting

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MOGADISHU, Somalia, Oct. 18 (UPI) -- Somalia's president says the fight against al-Shabaab militants in the African country will rage until the extremist group completely abandons the country.

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud made the comments Tuesday to members of parliament, Shabelle Media Network reported.

He expressed gratitude for the efforts of Kenyan and African Union forces to remove al-Shabaab from central and southern parts of Somalia.

"Since I took office and the helm, Somali and African Union (AU) forces have secured many key rebel-held towns, mainly the southern port city of Kismayo"" Mohamud said. "Now, that's something to be proud about"

Earlier this week, the Somali parliament unanimously approved a new prime minister.