Somalia: Puntland begins military operation against Al Shabaab in Galgala 15 Jan 15, 2013 - 11:27:58 PM
BOSSASO, Somalia Jan. 15, 2013 (Garowe Online)
- Government forces in Somalia
's northern region of Puntland have began a military operation against Al Shabaab militants in the Golis Mountain Range, Garowe Online reports.
Puntland soldiers [file photo]
Col. Jama Said Warsame
"Afgadu
d
" told Radio Garowe during a telephone interview that Puntland government forces launched a surprise raid on Al Shabaab positions in the Galgala mountains area on Tuesday morning.
"The terrorists have dispersed and fled to different directions,
" said Col. Afgadud, the commander of Puntland Defense Force units stationed in the Galgala area.
Col. Afgadud noted that Puntland government forces seized key areas in the mountainous region and inflicted casualties on Al Shabaab militants.
"The civilian population has fled this area long ago because of the abuses by Al Shabaab militants who came from southern Somalia,
" said Col. Afgadud.
On Dec. 5
, 20
12, and ag
ain on Jan. 3,
2013, Puntland government forces repelled
nighttime by Al Shabaab militants in Galgala
area. Puntland government officials have vowed to dislodge Al Shabaab militants in the Galgala area
.
In mid-2010, Puntland government forces concluded a three-month military operation in Galgala by seizing all mountain areas under the militants' control and Puntland officials say the Al Shabaab group in Galgala receives logistical support from Somaliland, to the west.
Galgala area provides a mountain cover from Al Shabaab militants to establish hideouts and Puntland government forces seized two weapons shipments from Yemen in 2012.
