Somalia: Al Shabaab attack TFG troops in Gedo region 1 Mar 1, 2012 - 2:16:28 AM
GARBARHAREY, Somalia March 1 2012 (Garowe Online) – Heavy clashes that lasted for more than 10 hours between Al Shabaab insurgents and Transitional Federal Governmnet (TFG) troops have led to over 15 deaths, Garowe Online reports.
The clashes that sparked Wednesday night lasted till early next morning after Al Shabaab insurgents raided the town of Garbarharey where TFG and Ahlu Sunnah wal Jama troops were stationed. Local residents say that a large number of Al Shabaab agents entered the town and a battle ensued. A department of a local hospital had burned after it was hit by mortar.
At least 30 people were injured in the battle some of them being residents who were caught in the crossfire.
A military official who spoke to reporters said that the Al Shabaab attack was repelled by TFG and Ahlu Sunna troops and that the casualties were 2. “We have lost 2 soldiers and 7 others are injured 3 of those are in critical condition,” said Ahmed Hersi TFG Lieutenant.
Lt. Hersi added that they killed 20 Al Shabaab agents but could not verify the injured because they were carried off by the insurgency group.
The small town of Garbarharey located in Gedo region was once home to Al Shabaab insurgents but after military operations conducted by Ethiopian and TFG troops the terrorist organization was forced out and have settled in other areas of Gedo.
