Hundreds of Puntland state forces have been deployed Galgala Mountains launch operations to flush out Al-Shabab from the areas.
Mid this month the President of Puntland State, Abdiweli Ali Gaas has reshuffled the leadership of the state’s Security agencies and Intelligence.
It follows months wave of attacks in the state, and intelligence of another imminent attack on Garowe, the capital administrate of Puntland.
Residents in Galgala and nearby areas who spoke to the media confirmed the heavy presence of the forces.
The officials of security forces who sought anonymity said the forces are targeting the Al-Shabab fighters who are using the mountains as a safe haven to train and carry out attacks in Puntland state.
Several platoons of Puntland Darwish, paramilitary are already in Galagala Mountains where the operation will be concentrated.
Puntland engaged several deadly attacks with Al-Shabab fighters in Bari region.
The forces have not been able to completely wrest the Galgala Mountains from an Al-Shabab force reported to have number several hundred fighters and training bases.
Security officials in Somalia believe that Galgala serves as a strategic link for Al-Shabab connecting their faction in Southern Somalia with al-Qaida in Yemen.
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