Sunday October 30, 2022
Mogadishu (HOL) - The Somali army and local militias completed the takeover around the Ali Guduud Mosque area in Middle Shabelle on Monday, according to the federal government.
"The specially trained forces of Danab and Gorgor have driven the Khawarij al Shabaab into their hiding holes. Other National Army units of local residents also played an important role in this operation."
Ali Guduud village is about 160km from Somalia's capital.
The statement added that the victory is a promising step toward liberating the country.
"This is a sign that Somalia will soon be freed from the Khawarij who have been attacking the Somali people for more than 15 years."
According to the military, local pastoralists have long complained about al Shabaab insurgents extorting them for their livestock. Extortion has also occurred at road checkpoints for travellers travelling to Mudug, Galgadud, and Mogadishu.
Somali government forces launched the operation to retake the area last week after a hasty withdrawal by al Shabaab fighters.
Over a hundred Al Shabaab militants were reportedly killed by security personnel during the raid, according to the Somali government.The takeover comes a day after al Shabaab militants attacked the federal Ministry of Education office in Mogadishu with twin suicide car bombs, killing over 100 people and wounding hundreds more.