Tuesday December 6, 2022
Mogadishu (HOL) - Somali government forces supported by the local clan militia forces liberated Adan Yabaal, a strategic district in the Middle Shabelle region, on Monday, after forcing al Shabab militants to withdraw from the district.
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud confirmed to state-run media on Tuesday that the government and local militia forces had recaptured the district as part of the ongoing offensive against al Shabab in Middle and Hiiraan.
Adan Yabaal, about 245 kilometres north of the capital Mogadishu has been under al Shabab since 2016. The district is located near the border between Hiran and Middle Shabelle regions.
President Mohamud added that the militants blew up the water wells as they were leaving the district, promising to repair them. Mohamud also commended the joint forces involved in liberating the district.
Mohamud added that Ruun Nirgood, the only village held by al Shabab in the Middle Shabelle region, would be liberated in the coming days, as the militants' time had come to an end.
For the past two days, fierce fighting has been reported near Wartadibi Samatar and Boos Adur villages in Middle Shabelle's Adan Yabal district.
Government forces moved towards the Adan Yabal district to consolidate territorial gains after recent reports that Al Shabaab had fled the area.