Somalia repulses would-be Al-Shabaab "devastating" attack

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The Somali National Army [SNA] has repulsed would-be Al-Shabaab's devastating attack, the military said on Monday, in the latest successes by the national army, which has been fighting to neutralize the group whose grip across the country is still firm and unpredictable.

According to military sources, the Al-Shabaab's planned attack at Dara Nicma was repulsed following a tip-off from members of the public who have been working closely with security forces. The government has repeatedly emphasized the need for close collaboration between civilians and members of the forces in the Al-Shabaab war.

The terror group said it captured the key town but, the defense ministry rejected the claim, saying the area remains "under our unwavering control". The two have been of strategic importance with the Al-Shabaab taking it over multiple times before losing subsequent battles to Somali National.

According to reports, the militants were planning to attack the SNA base within the vicinity but the strategy was counterproductive, leading to quick response from security teams that were patrolling the area. The Al-Shabaab has been effective in launching counterattacks.

The Al-Shabaab militants have been losing significant territories to the Somali government in recent weeks, with the loss at Dumaaye village being the most fatal in recent days. According to the government, the airstrike left over 178 terrorists dead, but Al-Shabaab denies the claim.

Last week, the militants also dealt a blow to Somalia security forces, following an attack at Cawsweyne village in Lower Shabelle, leaving several soldiers dead. To date, the government of Somalia has not released official data on the losses and probable number of people who may have died.

Somalia is fighting to dislodge the militants from all parts of the country but this is yet to be realized given the rate at which the militants are responsible for attacks. At the moment, the Somali National Army is combing central regions after a "successful" first phase of operations.

After this, the second phase is set to be launched in Jubaland and Southwest states, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud confirmed. The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia [ATMIS], the US Africa Command, and local militia are some of the security teams participating in the crackdown.

GAROWE ONLINE