Somalia
Somalia: TFG and Ethiopian troops make way to Al Shabaab stronghold
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Jan 14, 2012 - 6:56:03 AM

BELEDWEYNE, SOMALIA Jan 14 2012 (Garowe Online) - The Transitional Federal Government (TFG) troops alongside Ethiopian troops are en route to a Al Shabaab stronghold in the region of Hiran located in south central Somalia, Radio Garowe reports.

The troops have been spotted making there way to Garasiyani a town in close proximity to Beledweyne which Ethiopian troops and TFG soldiers conducted military operations that ousted Al Shabaab from Beledweyne earlier this month.

Local sources say that people in the neighboring towns have began to flee from the homes afraid that they will be caught in the crossfire.

Al Shabaab insurgents stationed in Garasiyani have increased in number according to reliable sources. An Al Shabaab official based in Hiran province stated, "We are ready to defend ourselves from any attack from the enemy and we have prepared for this moment."

Ethiopian troops alongside a small number of TFG troops were able to capture the city of Beledweyne very quickly when they entered the city earlier this month. Although Ethiopia is not part of AMISOM the Ethiopian troops are conducting their second military operation against Al Shabaab in Somalia.

GAROWE ONLINE 


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