Al-Shabaab pushed from strategic area in Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The Somali National Army [SNA] has made significant progress in the Middle Shabelle front following the latest retreat of Al-Shabaab from strategic regions in central Somalia, with the military launching offensives against the group which is accused of causing instability in the country.

According to witnesses, intensive fighting ensured in central regions, forcing the Al-Shabaab militants to start moving towards Damasta Shabeelow, approximately 10km northwest of Ciid Ciidka. Shelling and ground operations are ongoing, witnesses said.

It is exactly a month today since al-Shabaab fighters sneaked into the forest, where they have been planning and executing attacks targeting innocent civilians and security forces across Somalia. The forest is also used for hiding vehicles used by suicide bombers in various attacks.

The Somali National Army has been pursuing the militants in central regions as part of an ongoing effort to comb the region following successful military operations that left over 3,000 militants dead in Galmadug and HirShabelle. The second phase of operations against Al-Shabaab is set to cover Jubaland and Southwest states.

According to the government of Somalia, the most recent operations within the Galgaduud, Mudug, and Hiiraan regions have left over 1,650 militants dead, with 500 others sustaining lifetime injuries. But the military has also encountered a few setbacks including the most recent attack at Cawsweyne village.

Meanwhile, at least two civilians traveling on a vehicle were killed on Friday in a roadside explosion between Buurane and Mahaday towns; a third person suffered life-threatening injuries, officials said, noting that Al-Shabaab militants were responsible for the attack.

The situation of Ciid Ciidka has not yet been decided following an intense gun battle late Thursday. Troops trained in Eritrea have been brought in, and they went straight into the forest last night, slightly managing to push the militants further.

Al-Shabaab militants have been fighting to topple the fragile UN-backed federal government of Somalia, but sustained military operations have kept them at bay. Somalia hopes that the group will be defeated by the end of December 2024 when the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia [ATMIS] will have left the country.

GAROWE ONLINE