Somali Army's Land Forces Chief Visits Central Town After Major Al-Shabaab Attack

ELDHER, Somalia - A few days after the Al-Shabaab militants lost the strategic village of El-Dheer in Galgaduud, Somalia National Army (SNA) Land Forces commander General Sahal Abdullahi Omar visited the area to assess the impact of Friday's battle.

The Al-Shabaab fighters engaged the SNA and local militia in a fierce gunfight, which left dozens of the fighters dead, with several others injured. Those injured are in the custody of the Somali National Army for further processing.

According to reports, at least 75 militants were killed and over 50 survived, but with potential fatal shots. The clashes also left six SNA soldiers dead and several others injured. Those injured have been airlifted for further treatment.

During his visit, Major General Sahal praised the SNA troops and allied local forces for their bravery in defending the town and inflicting heavy losses on the militants. The army chief said the government will work with other partners to sustain the operations.

“I commend the troops for their dedication and reaffirm that counter-terrorism operations will continue until Al-Shabaab is fully eradicated and Somalia is completely liberated,” he said.

The gains came after the government troops lost the strategic towns of Moqokori, Mahas, and Adan Yabaal, which angered opposition leaders. They accuse President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of diverting his attention to electoral disputes instead of investing in the Al-Shabaab war.

Al-Shabaab militants have been making inroads, with intelligence reports also showing potential infiltration into the army. A few officers have been killed by fighters who may have infiltrated security agencies in the country.

GAROWE ONLINE