Somalia: Galmudug state rejects claims over 200 soldiers killed by Al-Shabaab

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The regional government of Galmadug has refuted claims that its local forces suffered casualties in the most recent battles, which were coordinated in the northern parts of the country, which has been fighting against instability for the last three decades.

Mohamed Abdi Adan Gabobe, the region's security minister, disputed claims that over 200 local soldiers have been killed in the clashes with the Aad area within the Mudug region. The al-Shabaab have been engaging in violent clashes with local troops.

The group, he argued, has been investing in propaganda to create a false impression about their gains in the battle. The al-Shabaab uses propaganda as a tool to misinform the public, making it difficult for the country to effectively battle them.

According to him, the numbers given by the militants were grossly exaggerated, arguing that the numbers were much lower than what they reported. On the contrary, he added, the militants suffered massive losses and have been misleading the country.

The SNA and local soldiers have been fighting to liberate the country from the militants. Most parts are now under the Somali National Army who have strong backing from the US Africa Command and the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).

Earlier this week, the government closed down websites that have been supporting the militant's agenda. Besides the 14 websites that were affected, the government had also closed down several WhatsApp groups spreading al-Shabaab propaganda in the country.

The second phase of the al-Shabaab crackdown will commence in due course and is expected to focus on Jubaland and Southwest states. The first phase left over 3000 al-Shabaab militants dead in central regions, including Galmadug and HirShabelle.

GAROWE ONLINE