Al-Shabaab flee southern Somalia as ground and air attacks intensify-military
Al-Shabaab fighters are fleeing for safety to the central and northern regions of the country following persistent aerial bombardments in southern Somalia, a senior military commander has said.
Speaking to the media in Sunday in Beledweyne town, HirShebelle state, commander of the 52nd Somali armed forces, General Ahmed Mohamed Tredishe noted the militants were leaving strongholds in the southern regions as allied forces intensified ground and air attacks.
“They ran away from the attacks in southern Somalia and are heading to Galgadud and Mudug regions but we shall never allow them to operate in their new settlements” said General Tredishe.
General Tredishe also stated that some Al-Shabaab members especially some of their top officials have already made way to Galgala mountains in Puntland. “Some of their leaders have passed through Eel Deer and Heraale locations on their way to Galgala Mountains” he added.
Several fighters have already defected to the Somali government according to general Tredishe hoping some more members of the militant group will emulate them soon.
US forces have increased aerial bombardments of the militants in southern region having launched at least 10 strikes this month as Amisom and Somali forces ramp up ground attacks in Lower and Middle Shabelle regions. The increased operations follows the deadly truck bombing last month which claimed over 400 lives in Mogadishu.
Both Amisom and Somalia have maintained the operations would go on until the militant group is defeated. Amisom is expected to withdraw 1,000 soldiers from Somalia next month as part of the UN Security Council resolution August.