Somalia: Allied forces push Al Shabaab out of new areas in central Somalia

BELEDWEYNE, Somalia- Somali and allied African troops have seized control of new areas in Hiiraan region from Al Shabaab militants during a major offensive, Garowe Online reports.

Col Hassan Jama, the commander of Djiboutian soldiers serving with African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), said allied troops seized Berhani and Bardere, about 30 km south of Beledweyne city, and the Al-Qaeda-linked Al Shabaab fighters fled without a fight.

"Al Shabaab rebels did not mount any resistance and fled the settlements as Somali National Army (SNA) soldiers and Djiboutian forces of AMISOM contingent entered," Jama said.

The Djiboutian peacekeeping force commander added the anti-militant push will continue until the Al Shabaab threat is dealt with and liberated the militants from the remaining pockets in Hiiraan province.

Al Shabaab insurgents are fighting to topple Somalia's internationally backed federal government, and often launch attacks against Somali government troops and African Union forces' bases in the country's south and central regions.

GAROWEONLINE