Somalia: Residents flee following coalition onslaught

AW DEGLE, Somalia-Hundreds of residents in Aw Degle and Barire villages have fled homes after a coalition of US, Somali and AMISOM commando troopers carried out surprise operation on Monday, Garowe Online reports. 

Villagers have spent their night in the cold overnight amidst heavy Gu’ rains across the East African country.  

Attack helicopters fired shots at Al Shabaab hotbeds in Barire, forcing militants to vacate according to security officials.  

Presidency source tell GO that the allied forces rescued hostages from Al Shabaab terror group during the planned onslaught.  

US forces for the first time actively participated in anti-militant push on the ground in Somalia, with helicopters hovering for only volleys limited to shots.  

Former Lower Shabelle Governor Abdulakdir Siidi told VOA Somali Service that residents are reeling from the operation after fleeing to remote areas.  

Somali government forces aided by African Union troops have in recent weeks honed offensives against Al Shabaab militants.

GAROWEONLINE