The VOA, citing U.S. defense officials, recently reported that the Al-Shabaab terror group has reversed all gains made by the Somali National Army in central Somalia over the past two years.

The report also indicated that Al-Shabaab is collaborating with Houthi militants to enhance its capabilities.

This comes just months after the U.S. Government suspended its funding for food rations and fuel for Somali forces due to widespread theft of these resources.

Jama, a former extremist commander who has transitioned into the government without due process, expressed his anger during an event held in Mogadishu. He harshly criticized the U.S. Government and the VOA, describing them as "blood-sucking parasites” benefiting from Somalia’s misfortunes.

"These blood-sucking parasites live to benefit from the problems of the Somali people, and they are mostly foreigners. They manipulate information through radio, TV, and websites, such as the VOA, claiming that Al-Shabaab has retaken territories captured by the Somali army. Their intent is to ensure Somalia never takes responsibility and always remains under foreign patronage for its security. We will defeat that blood-sucking enemy, who are foreigners,” Jama stated.

Jama’s comments are particularly noteworthy given his past. In 2009, he was part of the Al-Shabaab extremists within the Islamic Courts Union, which occupied the same defense ministry building in Mogadishu and sought to topple the federal government, branding its leaders as "apostates.”

The U.S. has been a significant supporter of Somalia’s efforts to combat Al-Shabaab, providing training and funding to Somali forces.

Washington’s long-standing partnership made Jama’s harsh comments a shock to many Somalis who view the U.S. as a crucial ally in their fight against terrorism.

Emphasizing that today’s Somalia is vastly different from the past, Jama declared, "I tell them that Somalia has moved forward and will not return back. You will not manipulate us. Anything you would eat on our name will not happen. You will not use our name to seek funding from the world by distorting our image.”

Addressing the U.S. Government, Jama asserted that Mogadishu will take full responsibility for its forces. "We will be self-sufficient. Our national army will take responsibility for security. They are undergoing mental and physical preparation. To those groups, I say: die with your rage. We are ready for it, and soon we will rule our sea and our land,” he proclaimed.

Jama also criticized opposition politicians, describing them as individuals who do not want to see the country progress.

There was no immediate response from the U.S. Embassy in Mogadishu regarding Jama’s statements.