MOGADISHU (Halbeeg News) – Somali national army (SNA) has recaptured five villages following clashes with al-Shabaab fighters in south and central Somalia.
According to a statement by Somali Defense Ministry, the government forces launched operations to liberate al-Shabaab-controlled areas.
The liberated include Maraay Suuleey, Shiikhoow Gaab, Hilowle Gaab, Ciid Kuus and Hussein Cageey in the Galgadud and Middle Shabelle regions.
The ministry vowed that the government forces to continue the fight against al-Shabaab and liberations of areas under the group’s control.
The development comes as Somali government preparing to launch the second phase of operations to liberate all areas under al-Shabaab control.
Early this year, Somalia, and its neighbours (Djibouti, Ethiopia, and Kenya) agreed to conduct a significant joint military offensive against Al-Shabaab dubbed “Operation Black Lion” to liberate remaining territories under the militants’ control to not only stabilise the Horn of Africa country but also secure the region.
The agreement was reached at a summit hosted by Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and attended by the Heads of State of Kenya, Djibouti, and Ethiopia.
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