Somali Forces Retake Strategic Al-Shabaab Bastion in Central Region

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The Somali National Army (SNA) has recaptured a key Al-Shabaab stronghold, significantly showcasing the ability to contain violent extremism besides taking over security responsibilities from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).

The ATMIS team is set to leave Somalia next year and will be replaced by the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), a team that will be led by Egypt but with more responsibilities given to the local troops.

According to military sources, the forces managed to raid the Mudug region at the strategic village of Baraag in Ali-Gaduud which is approximately 50 kilometers West of Harardhere, an area dominated by the militants.

According to military officials, the militants were flushed out of their hideouts after a planned attack against civilians in the country. The operation prevented the militants from waging an effective war against the Al-Shabaab militants.

Recently, President Ahmed Kaliye alias Qoorqoor requested military assistance from Puntland’s Said Abdullahi Deni, noting the continued attempts by the Al-Shabaab to control the Mudug region. The region is strategic in terms of economic control within central regions.

The SNA teams have been carrying out targeted operations in the Mudug region for the past two years and the capture of Baraag Ali-Gaduud represents a tactical win and a strategic advancement in the broader objective of securing the region.

Local militias have been integral in the fight against Al-Shabaab for the last two years particularly within the central regions and have managed to effectively work closely with the Somali National Army.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud had pledged total war against al-Shabaab militants when he took over and for the last two years, over 5,000 militants have reportedly been killed. The US Africa Command has also been part of the operations.

GAROWE ONLINE