Somalia: Army forces recapture towns in Gedo region

MOGADISHU, Somalia- The Somali government forces have retaken control of areas from militant group al-Shabaab in southern Somalia on Thursday, Garowe Online reports.

Following fierce fighting between the two sides, government forces have overpowered the militants to recapture areas in Gedo region. The fighting resulted in losses from both sides, but causalities were not yet confirmed.

Senior military officers have confirmed to the local media the fall of many villages and seizure of military supplies from the al-Shabaab fighters.

Residents said clashes occurred in area located about 30 kilometers away from Bardhere district in Gedo region.

The commander of the military forces that launched the offensive on Saturday, Farah Mohamed Turba, said the forces conducted night raid successfully and inflicted heavy losses on al-Shabaab group.

So far no statement was released from the militant group regarding the attacks on Saturday.

This comes amid plans by The Somali Federal government to flash out al-Qaida-linked al-Shabaab group from large areas in southern and central Somalia.

GAROWEONLINE