Gov’t, Local Forces Liberate New Areas in Hiran Region

GOOBJOOG NEWS | BELEDWEYNE: The Somali National Army backed by local forces Thursday conducted offensive operations against the Al-shabaab militants, liberating new territories in Hiraan region.

Government sources said the joint operation led to the liberation of Burweyn and Shaw areas which had been occupied by the Al-Shabaab group for decades.

Jalalaqsi district governor Nur Mohamed Absuge told journalists that the forces are conducting subsequent operations in the areas to detect and clear landmines which may have been left by the fleeing militants.

Military officials leading the operation added that the national forces will continue with the operations until all parts of Hiraan region are liberated from the group’s control.

Federal Government of Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud who has been on various frontline areas across the country has vowed not to relent on the operations until every inch of Somalia’s territory is liberated.

The President praised the Somali National Army, regional forces and international partners for their bravery and dedication to the ongoing efforts to push the Al-shabaab militants out of Somalia and restore peace in the country and the region.

The latest gains are a testament that the Somali Forces are capable of taking control of security responsibilities in all parts of Somalia from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) forces which is set to complete its drawdown exercise from the country this year.