El GARAS, Somalia Sept 6, 2014 (Garowe Online)-Somali government forces aided by Ethiopian peacekeepers took control of El Garas village in Galgaduud region of central Somalia, dealing another blow to beleaguered militant group on Saturday, Garowe Online reports.

Somali military spokesperson in El Bur Mohamed Kariye Roble said on Mogadishu-based radio station that the latest bastion acquiesced to Islamist militant rule is now remaining under the control of Somali National Army and Ethiopian forces.

“The army captured El Garas which was a main base for Al Shabaab and [Somali and Ethiopian forces) are advancing on other areas,” added Roble.

Allied forces have been making territorial gains in central and southern Somalia, hemming extremists into the jungle.

Al Shabaab Chief Ahmed Godane was confirmed dead in US airstrike near largest and most-militant-friendly coastal town of Barawe.

El Garas, 50km north of El Bur had since been springboard into which Al Shabaab fighters were stashing supplies. 

GAROWE ONLINE