Fierce Fighting Erupts in Central Somalia as Govt Troops Clash with Al-Shabaab

ABOOREY, Somalia - Intensive fighting has been reported at Aboorey, following serious confrontations between the federal troops and the al-Shabaab militants, who entered the town sometime this week after launching a successful operation.

The government forces are said to have retaken the town on Wednesday after heavy fighting but the militants launched a counterattack, leading to heavy confrontation within the town, which is considered to be strategic in the country.

Multiple fatalities were reported, including a battalion commander from the US-trained Danab forces, Major Asad Osman Afrah, who was reportedly hit by sniper fire, officials said, while confirming the clashes within the town in Somalia.

The government reinforced troops in Yasooman in an attempt to force the militants to retreat to the west of the Shabelle River. The attack comes a day after the arrival of General Odawaa Yusuf Rageh, the commander of the Somali National Army, in the area, where a senior Danab commander Asad Osman was killed during battle.

Earlier this week, Al-Shabaab fighters reportedly seized Aboorey, just northeast of the main town of Bulobarde, per sources. Locals feared the militants’ target was Yasooman mountains which if captured could further threaten Maxaas.

The militants also captured Beera Yabaal which is located on the main highway linking Bulobarde to Halgan and Beledweyne. About 600 militants are reported to be operating in this area, despite the ongoing crackdown against the militants.

In central and southern regions, the federal government of Somalia activated the fight against Al-Shabaab, but the operations are not yet as effective as in northern regions where the Puntland forces with support from international partners, have managed to neutralize several ISIS militants.

Earlier on Wednesday, the federal government of Somalia reported casualties on Al-Shabaab following operations at Hirshabelle. Several Al-Shabaab militants were killed in the process, officials said.

"For the fifth consecutive day, Somali forces and local fighters have launched successful offensives against Khawarij militants in Hirshabelle," read the statement. "Deputy Minister Abdirahman Yusuf Aladala confirmed Geelgub locality was cleared this morning, inflicting casualties on the terrorists."

GAROWE ONLINE