Al-Shabaab carries out attack in central Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Al-Shabaab militants fired several projectiles in Galgaduud, in central Somalia, in what comes after relative stability in the region following intensified security operations by local forces and those from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).

The al-Shabaab militants are fighting for survival in the country and weeks of ups and downs, as they face intensive crackdown across the country. The government of Somalia and ATMIS have activated operations against the group on various frontlines.

According to reports, five projectiles were fired in El Dher District in Galgaduud where the ATMIS team and Somali National Army have been camping for several months. The mortar attacks targeted residential areas, officials said.

The extent of the damage caused by these mortars is still being assessed by local officials but it is believed several buildings were destroyed. This was the first major attack in the region in as many weeks following days of relative calmness.

But three days ago, an attack was reported in Amara, not far from the region where a couple and another woman died. The al-Shabaab militants have, however, lost considerable ground in Somalia following an operation by the security teams.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has declared total war against al-Shabaab militants who control large swathes of rural central and southern regions. The militants are fighting to topple the fragile UN-backed federal government of Somalia.

The government of Somalia anticipates that by December 2024, several regions will be under the custody of Somali forces, as ATMIS troops leave the country. The United States maintains that despite degrading al-Shabaab, the group still poses danger in the Horn of Africa.

GAROWE ONLINE