Al-Shabaab bases destroyed in central Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The government of Somalia has confirmed the destruction of three suspected Al-Shabaab bases in central regions, in the latest crackdown which targets the militants in areas that were not covered in the first phase of operations against the militants within Galmadug and HirShabelle states.

Backed by international partners, the government of Somalia said the local troops waged an operation at Galhareri District within Galmadug which led to the destruction of three Al-Shabaab bases where the militants had been retreating once they attacked civilians and members of security forces.

Within these bases, authorities said, the militants have been preparing explosives and were partly being used as warehouses for weapons and medical equipment. The Al-Shabaab enjoys services from medical practitioners, some abducted from far areas to assist in offering treatment.

Also actively participating in the crackdown were local militia who have been mobilized in recent weeks to help neutralize the militants whose presence in central Somalia and southern parts has been a major bother to the country.

For the better part of this week, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has been touring Central Somalia for fact fact-finding mission, encouraging soldiers to comb some of the areas that militants are yet to vacate. He was ushered in by Ahmed Kaliye alias Qoor-Qoor, the regional leader in Dhusamareb.

Both short-term and long-term strategies for defeating Al-Shabaab have been agreed upon by the teams participating in the mission, with authorities also confirming that the second phase of operations will be activated soon in Jubaland and Southwest states. Already, a number of soldiers have been prepared to join the battlefield.

Al-Shabaab militants are fighting to topple the fragile UN-backed federal government of Somalia but a concerted effort from local forces, international partners and local militia has helped the administration to stay put. Al-Shabaab has also lost considerable areas in recent weeks.

GAROWE ONLINE