Al-Shabaab Suffers Major Losses in Central Somalia as President Visits Frontlines

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Al-Qaeda's East Africa associates — Al-Shabaab, suffered immense setbacks in central regions of Somalia, state media reports, in what comes at the time President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is visiting troops in frontlines across the country.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud arrived at Adan Yabaal town in central regions dressed in military combatants, a sign of his dedication to the fight against Al-Shabaab, a group seeking to topple the fragile UN-backed federal government of Somalia.

According to media reports, security forces drawn from various units engaged the militants in central regions following due diligence by intelligence teams. The militants suffered casualties but the number was not immediately made public.

"The security forces in Galmudug State, including the police, the National Intelligence units, and the Presidential guards carried out a series of coordinated operations targeting Al-Shabaab terrorist militants in areas surrounding Sinadhaqo, Labi-dule, and Dhabanna Dhulkuheys in the Galgaduud region," state media reports.

The operations, which have been ongoing for several days, aim to flush out insurgents hiding in the region’s rugged terrain. The group is almost losing strategic areas following the latest push.

Dhuusamareeb District Commissioner, Abdirahmaan Cali Maxamed (Geeda Qorow), who accompanied the forces during the mission, urged residents to cooperate with security agencies to help strengthen peace and development in the area.

The US Africa Command and the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) forces have been assisting the Somali National Army and local militias who are directly facing the militants in various towns and villages.

Besides the military operations, the government has employed different tactics in combating Al-Shabaab, including but not limited to starving them of their revenues by closing illegal roadblocks across the productive parts of the country.

Media sites such as social media and websites affiliated with the al-Shabaab have also been blacklisted with several mobile money transfer firms and bank accounts associated with the militants also closed down. These, among other initiatives, are collectively being undertaken across Somalia.

GAROWE ONLINE