Somalis protest against Al-Shabaab as army intensifies offensive

Hundreds of residents of Galkayo town thronged into streets in protest against Al-Shabaab [Photo: GO]

GALKAYO, Somalia - Sections of Galkayo residents thronged into streets in protest against Al-Shabaab militants, who have been making inroads into the region, which is situated in central Somalia, a location which is dominated by the Al-Qaida linked group.

The Al-Shabaab militants have heightened activities in the region, mainly targeting security forces, civil servants, and innocent civilians. The military has also been launching operations against the militants.

Carrying burners and placards in condemnation of Al-Shabaab, the residents rallied in favour of the Somali National Army [SNA] and partner forces, noting that the operations have yielded fruits in recent weeks.

The protests in Galkayo come just a day after the SNA troops in the company of US Africa Command forces launched an operation against Al-Shabaab in Amaara town within the Mudug region of Galmadug state. This was the third time the US was assisting SNA troops during the administration of President Joe Biden.

According to reports, Somali security forces recaptured the town of Amaara in the central Galmudug region after al-Shabab militants briefly took over early Tuesday following a dawn attack.

The attack on Amaara and a subsequent roadside explosion in the same vicinity killed at least six people, including four Somali soldiers. Witnesses and officials told VOA that al-Shabab militants began their attack with a suicide vehicle-borne explosion detonated near an army base.

Ahmed Shire Falagle, who is the Galmadug Information Minister, confirmed the attack to VOA but disputed allegations that the town fell to al-Shabab. Falagle said the militants loaded a truck with sheep and goats to disguise the explosive-laden vehicle.

He said the truck exploded near a military camp, killing two civilians and three soldiers. A fourth soldier died, and six others were injured after their vehicle struck a landmine in the same vicinity, officials said.

The U.S. military in Africa, known as AFRICOM, later confirmed conducting a "collective self-defense" strike against al-Shabab fighters. AFRICOM said the militants engaged in active combat with Somali forces.

The initial assessment of the airstrike is that no civilians were injured or killed, AFRICOM said. The SNA troops confirmed that at least 90 Al-Shabaab militants were killed during the operation.

Amaara is one of three towns recently captured by Somali forces, with the U.S. providing occasional air support after al-Shabab reportedly posed threats to Somali forces, including the Danab unit trained by the U.S. military.

GAROWE ONLINE