Somalia: Copters hit targets as allied forces clash with militants

WABHO, Somalia, August 6, 2015 (Garowe Online)-More details are emerging on airstrikes by attack helicopters in central Somalia as Somali government forces aided by African Union peacekeepers clashed with militants during a clean-up operation in Hiran, Garowe Online reports.

El-Bur District Commissioner Nur Hassan Gutale said on Mogadishu-based station that copters pounded Al Shabaab positions in Galgadud region villages of Wabho and War-Holo on Wednesday afternoon.

“More precise airstrikes were launched on Al Shabaab bases, fatalities could not be confirmed right away since only Al Shabaab militants maintain military presence in bombarded targets,” noted Gutale.

Meanwhile in Hiran region, Somali government forces alongside African Union troops engaged in fierce gun-battle with Al Shabaab fighters during a clean-up operation in an area, 45km off the provincial capital, Beledweyne.

The confrontations flared up after militants tried to conduct deadly ambush on allied forces.

On Thursday, more than a hundred militants surrendered to Somalia federal government in Bakool region of southwestern Somalia.

On Monday, militants lost strategic El-Dher and El-Ali villages in Hiran region to allied forces, followed by the killing of scores in airstrikes in Dalandol area according to the commander of Somali National Army (SNA)’s 8^th division Abdirahman Mohamed Osman (Tima Adde).

Fewer bastions in south-central Somalia are still acquiesced to Al Shabaab rule.

GAROWE ONLINE