Al-Shabaab retakes strategic town in Somalia from SNA soldiers

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The Somali National Army [SNA] failed to guard one of the strategic towns in the country, letting Al-Shabaab easily retake it in what has been considered a major loss in the ongoing fight against the group, which controls large swathes of rural central and southern parts of Somalia.

According to multiple sources, the Somali army with backing from the local militia left Wabho town in the Galgadud region within Galmudug state on Friday night, paving way for the return of the Al-Shabaab. The town has been instrumental in the war against Al-Shabaab given its strategic positioning.

According to Major Ismail Abdimalik, the man who has been coordinating the crackdown against Al-Shabaab, the troops were ordered by senior commanders in the army but did not give reasons. Usually, the military is required to monitor towns that are liberated from Al-Shabaab.

Last week on Wednesday, the Somali army with assistance from local militia liberated Wabho town without meaningful struggle and their exit came as a shock. According to a government report, the militants had been in charge of the town for 15 years.

Locals said the forces mainly drawn from elite squads have already returned to Mahas District in the Hiiraan region. It is not clear why they abandoned the town despite expectations that they were to stay around until people-led administration is picked.

Further reports show that the Al-Shabaab have increased their attacks ever since President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud announced a crackdown against them. The multiple operations going across the country have left hundreds of Al-Shabaab militants dead.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has been encouraging local militia to join the fight, a move which has yielded fruits. Most towns in Somalia are now free from Al-Shabaab following operations by the national army, local militia, and the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia.

GAROWE ONLINE