Somalia: We shall liberate Galmadug from Al-Shabaab in due course - minister

HARARDHERE, Somalia - The Somali National Army [SNA] is determined to liberate Galmadug state from Al-Shabaab militants, a senior government minister has proclaimed, following the resurgence of the militants in the region, which had been secured from the terror group.

Early this year, the Somali army with the help of US Africa Command, the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia [ATMIS], and local militia, managed to secure large parts of the state, with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud confirming that Galmadug was to be freed from Al-Shabaab early this year.

Interior minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi says SNA will liberate the entire Galmudug state from Al-Shabaab in the coming days, noting the huge strides made by the army in securing most frontlines across the country. He was speaking to government forces in the newly captured Harardhere, a key coastal town and a former pirate hub.

Harardhere was the biggest and most strategic town in central Somalia that was still in the hands of the terror group until its liberation in January this year. His remarks come as the troops retreated from key areas, including Elbur this week, following immense losses after the Al-Shabaab raid.

At Cawsweyne village on Friday last week, Al-Shabaab ambushed the Somali National Army which had seized the area, killing several security officers in the process according to eyewitnesses. To date, the government of Somalia has yet to issue a report to members of the public on what exactly happened.

The government troops had returned to Galmadug and HirShabelle states to comb the areas where Al-Shabaab could not vacate during the first phase of operations. According to reports, the operation left over 3,000 Al-Shabaab militants dead, and the forces have been pursuing remnants.

Galmadug and HirShabelle are strategic in the fight against Al-Shabaab given that the militants had made serious inroads. After the military is through with combing in the area, they are expected to resume the second phase of operations against the group in Jubaland and Southwest states.

GAROWE ONLINE