... Somalia's version of the Taliban, functioning as an arm of al-Qaeda...group lost several strategic villages in central regions on Monday, military officials said, noting the progress made in securing several frontlines and districts from the bad boys, who are fighting to topple the government.
Sweeping operations conducted by the Somali National Army (SNA) with backing from Maawisley militia helped secure the villages, officials said, adding that the government troops will remain in the region to protect innocent civilians.
Reports from military sources indicate that the force took control of villages in the area and pushed away al-Shabaab bad boys. The
The operations took place in the areas of Barag Hurdaye, Gal Dhagaweyne, and Tawar Mooge villages in the Mudug region, reports indicate. This was the first major victory by the forces while working with the militia after the joint operations were momentarily halted.
Since June 2024, the teams have jointly recaptured several towns and villages in central Somalia, further reaffirming the successes on the battlefields. The joint operations were activated by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud who had declared total war against al-Shabaab.
There is active repatriation of locals displaced by the bad boys, with the military also extending Amnesty to those willing to defect from the group. al-Shabaab has lost several fighters in the process since the operations against them kicked off in 2022.