Somalia: Armed Clashes Reported Near Leego as Troops Withdraw After Ambush

MOGADISHU — An armed confrontation broke out on Saturday near Leego after groups of Somali government forces recently returned from Aw-Yasin Jameeco attempted to approach the conflict zone, according to military sources.

The groups were reportedly seeking to reach the area as part of efforts to search for individuals believed to have been wounded and possibly left behind during previous fighting.

The troops, many of whom had received advanced military training, were caught in an ambush, resulting in casualties, the sources said. The soldiers subsequently withdrew towards Balidogle and areas on the outskirts of Wanlaweyn.

The incident comes amid delays to a planned operation in Banooda. Last week, reports indicated that the operation had been postponed, and the federal government acknowledged the delay on Monday, attributing it to changing weather conditions.

The latest confrontation raises further questions about the timing of the operation and the security situation around Leego and nearby areas.

The military sources did not provide details on the number of casualties or identify those responsible for the ambush. The circumstances of the confrontation could not be independently verified.

GAROWE ONLINE