Al Shabaab loses strategic villages in central Somalia

BELEDWEYNE, Somalia, August 4, 2015 (Garowe Online)-Somali government forces aided by African Union troops took control of two strategic villages in Beledweyne countryside of central Somalia, dealing another blow to Al Shabaab, Garowe Online reports.

On Monday afternoon, heavy fighting that resulted in casualties raged between allied forces and militants, residents reported.

Deputy Hiran governor Mohamed Ibrahim Abdullahi confirmed the capture of El-Dher and El-Ali villages to the media.

“Over the last 24 hours, our forces seized areas in the western part of Hiran region. We are committed to cleansing Hiran of Al Shabaab,” said Abdullahi.

A few bastions in central Somalia are still acquiesced to Al Shabaab rule.

Allied forces made major gains in Gedo and Bay regions by liberating Bardhere and Dinsor from militants last month. 

GAROWE ONLINE