Military liberates strategic town in Somalia from Al-Shabaab

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The Somali National Army (SNA) has liberated the strategic town of Masagawa in central Somalia, marking a major milestone in the fight against the group which has been causing havoc in different parts of the country.

Masagawa is in Galgaduud, the central part of the country, and at one point, the national army suffered immense losses on the battlefield, triggering a massive walkout from the military. The government has massively invested in dislodging the militants from central regions.

According to the state media, Wednesday's victory helped the national army to restore peace and stability in the central parts, with the government pushing to bring order across the country. The victory was termed as "all-important".

"Somali National Army liberates Masagawa, Galgaduud reclaiming the strategic town from al-Shabaab control, restoring security for residents," state media reports, noting that the army is still in charge of the town.

Elsewhere, dozens of Alshabaab militants were killed in an operation conducted by the Somalia National Army backed by local forces near Caad, Mudug region. In the process, many bases were destroyed as forces pursued fleeing remnants.

"The National Armed Forces and local forces attacked al-Shabab militants’ fortifications near Caad, leaving scores of them dead. The forces are advancing towards Caad, pursuing the fleeing remnants," the state media reported on Wednesday.

This comes when the Somali National Army takes over security responsibilities in several parts of the country due to the ongoing withdrawal of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) which has handed over some bases.

Somalia had the United Nations lifting the arms embargo, further giving the country a chance to procure sophisticated weapons that can be used to restore sanity in the country. The US Army has also been working hard to help the country secure some bases.

GAROWE ONLINE