Al-Shabaab Pushes to Regain Foothold in Central Somalia Amid Fierce Clashes

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Al-Qaeda-affiliated militants, the al-Shabaab, are trying to make a comeback in central regions, following heavy fighting in the outskirts of Moqokori village, where the militants have been pushing out government troops and local fighters on the frontlines.

For the better part of Monday, for the fifth straight day, the Al-Shabaab fighters engaged the Somali National Army (SNA) and the local forces in a fierce battle, with the group determined to retake the strategic village in central Somalia.

Last week, the militants captured Xawaadley and El Hareeri villages, pushing deeper into the eastern Hiiraan region, forcing the government troops to wage counterattacks. So far, the government troops have yet to get a better footing.

Al-Shabaab is sending more reinforcements every day, local security officials said, adding that they are aiming to capture Moqokori and Mahas towns. The militants seem to have regrouped following defeats in recent months.

According to Ali Jayte Osman, the former Hiiraan governor, the Somali government is doing little to protect citizens from Al-Shabaab rage. The former governor blames Hirshabelle leadership for struggles in the fight against Al-Shabaab.

The insurgents have stepped up operations in central Somalia, despite airstrikes and resistance from government troops and allied militias. The militants released footage of child soldiers training during Eid al-Adha, further signifying their expansionist mentality.

Jeyte asked President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to dismantle Hirshabelle state and instead appoint governors for Hiran and Middle Shabelle regions, saying regional leaders are undermining efforts to fight Islamist insurgents who are gaining ground

The Al-Shabaab militants are fighting to topple the fragile UN-backed federal government of Somalia, which is struggling to maintain peace and order in the country. The government of Somalia is also using strategic policies to fight the group, including closing financial channels.

GAROWE ONLINE