Al-Shabaab loses strategic towns in Somalia
-
Staff Reporter GAROWE ONLINE
- Posted On 12-06-2024, 08:57AM
KISMAYO, Somalia - Al-Shabaab militants have lost strategic towns in central and southern Somalia, a huge milestone for the soldiers on the frontlines, who have been fighting for the liberation of the country from the jaws of the group, which is keen to control the country.
The government troops took full control of the Ruunirgood, an area which is strategically located on the border of the Galgaduud and Middle Shabelle regions. Central regions have been dominated by the militants for almost two decades.
According to military sources, the troops have been fighting to control Ruunirgood since last week, attacking the militants' hideouts across the region. The sweeping operations triggered the exit of the Al-Shabaab militants, officials said.
"The Somali National Army has launched attacks from several directions in the Ruunirgood District, taking over this district on the border of Galgaduud and Middle Shabelle regions. The military is also conducting investigations in the city," a government press release stated.
Despite the intense fights, the government did not reveal the number of casualties, but the militants are believed to have lost huge ground. The local troops worked closely with the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) troops.
Ruunirgood's capture is significant for government forces. Al-Shabaab used it as a launching pad to organize operations between the Galgaduud and Middle Shabelle regions. This region is where the first phase of operations against Al-Shabaab was launched.
In Jubaland, the Danab commandos with assistance from Jubaland Security Forces, managed to seize Bulo Haji village, a strategic region in the south of Kismayo, the regional administrative capital. The town has been under the militants for two decades.
The Federal Republic of Somalia maintains that by the end of December 2024, most towns would have been captured in Somalia. The government has invested in promoting local governments that were established in towns liberated from Al-Shabaab.
GAROWE ONLINE
