Al-Shabaab outwitted in Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The Somali National Army (SNA) with considerable support of the clan militia outwitted the al-Shabaab militants in central regions on Saturday, with the forces neutralizing a potentially catastrophic attack waged by the group.

For the better part of Saturday, the national forces battled against the Al-Shabaab in Masagawa township in Galgadud, with the militants losing a firm grip after heavy clashes, officials said while acknowledging the victory by the troops.

According to eyewitnesses, clashes erupted after the militants launched an assault by detonating a vehicle-borne explosive device, targeting the security forces. The fierce combat ensued after the device detonated, officials said.

So far, details of the casualties are not clear but the forces managed to repulse the militants. Deaths and injuries were reported with the al-Shabaab said to have lost considerably. The militants are yet to state about the assault.

“The heroes of the Somali National Army and the Defense Forces in Masagawa town in the Galgaduud region have foiled an ambush by the Kharijites and inflicted casualties on the militants,” a statement from the government read.

The federal troops have been combing the central regions after the first phase of the offensive against al-Shabaab which left thousands of the militants dead, two years ago. The security teams have liberated several towns in the process.

Somalia's government declared total war against the Al-Shabaab militants and since then, several gains have been registered. The group has scaled down attacks in central and southern regions due to frequent patrols and operations by security forces.

The US Africa Command and the AU Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) work closely with local troops in the restoration of order within the country. Somalia is currently a member of the United Nations Security Council.

GAROWE ONLINE