Al-Shabaab militants mount attack on army base in Somalia

Al-Shabaab have been a source of instability in Somalia. Photo: AFP

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Heavy fighting between Al-Shabaab and the Somali troops has been reported on Monday morning in parts of Galmadug in central Somalia, as the militants restrategize following a series of heavy losses in recent weeks, according to authorities.

Al-Shabaab has been suffering immense losses, especially in Central and Southern Somalia after the Somali National Army and local militia activated operations to liberate various villages in the country which have been under the authoritarian rule of the group which is seeking to topple the fragile UN-backed federal government.

Witnesses said Monday's fighting was reported at the strategic village of Qaayib within Galmudug State. Galmadug, HirShabelle, and Southwest have been major battlefields between government forces and the Al-Shabaab militants in recent months, with Jubaland and Puntland witnessing mild attacks.

According to multiple sources, the fighting started after Al-Shabaab militants used two car bombs to attack a military camp. There are casualties but the government is yet to give clear numbers. Qaayib lies about 90 kilometers South of Adado town.

The initial reports say at least five are dead and more than 10 others were wounded in the Al-Shabaab attack.

This comes just hours after the Somali government banned clerics from visiting Al-Shabaab strongholds with the aim of engaging them. The government has been keen to eliminate Al-Shabaab both militarily and ideologically, but President Hassan Sheikh has insisted that military operations are necessary.

Al-Shabaab has been on a revenge mission according to reports obtained from government sources, having lost several strategic towns which have been fundamental in their extortion mission. The government has also warned business owners against parting money with the group.

The militants still control large swathes of rural central and southern Somalia, but the government is making steady advances thus the current revenge mission. Fighting is still ongoing and Garowe Online will continue giving the public updates on the current situation.

GAROWE ONLINE