Somali Forces Launch Major Offensive Against Al Shabaab in Central Regions

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Somali government forces backed by regional militia early Tuesday launched a major offensive against Al-Shabaab militants in remote areas straddling the Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle regions.

The operation, saw joint troops advancing from the Ceel-Hareeri area in Hiiraan and striking what authorities described as a key Al-Shabaab gathering point. Fierce clashes were reported as government troops engaged the insurgents in an ongoing battle.

“This assault is part of a broader effort to clear central Somalia of terrorist elements,” a regional security official told National Media on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the operation.

The Somali National Army (SNA) and allied local forces have intensified military operations in recent weeks, retaking strategic territory and killing dozens of insurgents in a bid to weaken the al Qaeda-linked group’s grip in rural areas.

Al Shabaab, which has been waging an insurgency against Somalia’s federal government since 2007, still controls parts of the countryside despite sustained military pressure and U.S.-backed airstrikes.

Further details on casualties and the outcome of the assault are expected as the operation unfolds.