MAREREY/SABIB, Somalia, August 24, 2015 (Garowe Online)-Somali National Army (SNA) troops recaptured two agriculture-rich villages in Lower Shabelle region of southern Somalia from Al Shabaab militants according to officials, Garowe Online reports.

The renewed push follows terror attacks on Marerey and Sabiib, two villages near the market town of Afgooye.

Residents reported that Al Shabaab militants briefly overran the two without stiff resistance from Somali government forces.

National Security Ministry spokesman Mohamed Yusuf Osman disclosed that a brigade of intelligence officers propped up army in driving militants out of Mareray and Sabiib.

“Yesterday, Somali intelligence dispatched reinforcements to Somali National Army (SNA) soldiers who were battling Al Shabaab [fighters] in Marerey area,” said Osman, adding that they weakened Al Shabaab ability.

He noted that undisclosed number of militants was killed and anti-terror operations will continue.

On the other hand, Lower Shabelle Governor Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur (Siidi) confirmed the re-liberation of strategic Marerey and Sabib.

Somali government forces aided by African Union peacekeepers are pressing ahead with massive military offensives against militants in central and southern Somalia. 

GAROWE ONLINE