Somali army liberates more bases from Al-Shabaab

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The Somali National Army (SNA) has continued to liberate more bases from Al-Shabaab militants in central and southern regions, showcasing the ability to defend the country from the onslaught inflicted on the people by the group for the last 17 years.

Somalia's army with the help of the US Africa Command, the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), and the local militia have jointly inflicted losses on the group for the last 12 months when the country launched operations against Al-Shabaab.

On Sunday, the national army destroyed several Al-Shabaab bases in Wajid District within the notorious Bakool region where the group has been wreaking havoc on innocent civilians. The group has been losing bases lately according to officials.

Sunday's operations saw the military maneuver to Dhurey where the militants had regrouped waiting for assault but huge strides were made in terms of recovery, military officials said. The officials noted that several weapons had been seized from the group.

Mohamed Moalim Yusuf, the Wajid District Commissioner and the commander of the 260th unit of the military forces, Onkod Moalim Adan, told state-owned media that the troops successfully pushed the militants out of the area.

The senior officials pledged that the army would launch a massive Bakool region operation soon. The Somali National Army is also plotting to commence the second phase of operations against Al-Shabaab which will mainly target Jubaland and Southwest states.

The second phase of operations was delayed after the military returned to Galmadug and HirShabelle where the first phase was conducted for combing exercise. Somalia had also requested military backup, but ATMIS had to pause technical withdrawal of more troops to help Somalia sustain operations.

GAROWE ONLINE