Somalia: Troops enclose on Al Shabaab stronghold 22 Feb 22, 2012 - 5:57:05 AM
BERDALE, Somalia Feb 22 2012 (Garowe Online) – Transitional Federal Government (TFG) and Ethiopian troops are enclosing on the Al Shabaab stronghold of Baidoa, Radio Garowe reports.
The town of Howlaha Guud 8 kms from Berdale has been taken over by the TFG without any resistance from the terror cell. Berdale was subject to an IED attack on Tuesday as TFG and Ethiopian troops moved closer to Baidoa the capital of Bay region. Civilians were killed in the IED attack leaving 6 dead and injuring 10 others.
Many have fled the region of Bay trying to escape an imminent battle between Al Shabaab and the government backed by its neighboring countries. The remaining residents of towns in Bay region said that TFG and Ethiopian had drove by in more than 30 technical cars and a few tanks.
There are also unconfirmed reports that Al Shabaab insurgents fleeing from TFG and Ethiopian troops have set up a defense in the city of Baidoa.
Prime Minister Abdiweli Mohamed Gaas said the end of Al Shabaab was near. “The governments plan in the upcoming days is to rid Al Shabaab from regions in Bay, Bakool and Lower Jubba,” said PM Gaas.
