Somali army liberates more territories from Al-Shabaab

Somali National Army (SNA) soldiers can be seen training, [AMISOM Public Information/Flickr]

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Al-Shabaab militants have continued to lose on the battlefield following the latest upset inflicted by the Somali National Army [SNA] who have been conducting operations in central and southern regions where the militants are dominant.

Over the weekend, the national army with the help of local militia managed to seize several territories in the Hiiran region within the HirShabelle region where the militants have been wreaking havoc on innocent civilians and members of security forces.

Farah Wasuge, the commander for the 27th Division said the operations managed to recover 115 kilometres which have previously been under Al-Shabaab control. The operations also saw many Al-Shabaab militants arrested in the process.

According to him, operations covered most parts of Beledweyne and Bulo Burte Districts, adding that many others were killed. The recovered regions, he said, will be handed over to civilian administrations once due diligence is carried out.

“The operation was successful and we covered an area of 115 kilometers and Al-Shabaab militants were flushed out,” Wasuge said noting that the operations started in the Kalabir area in the Bulo Burte district.

The government forces and allied militia have been conducting intense operations in the Hiiraan region in recent weeks as they head to conclude the first phase of the operations.

Somalia National Army has been getting help from US Africa Command and African Union Transition Mission [ATMIS] troops, who have been on the peacekeeping mission. Some ATMIS troops have started leaving the country in compliance with Somali Transition Plan.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud had declared total war on Al-Shabaab militants while asking for military help from friendly nations. Hassan Sheikh has also called for a collective approach to counter violent extremism in the Horn of Africa.

GAROWE ONLINE