Allied forces close in on Guri’el after making quick gains

The SNA and Galmudug forces staged advance along with key entry point into Guri’el to circle the city which is under the control of Ahlu Sunna, an armed Sufi group. The military build-up sparked displacements.

News Keydmedia Online
17 October 2021

GURI'EL, Somalia - Somali government forces backed by Galmudug state soldiers have advanced to within about 16 kilometers of the city of Guri’el, after launching a massive joint offensive against the Ahlu Sunna group.

Hundreds of fighting vehicles carrying combined troops moved from Dhusamareb city and set up bases in Balli-Ad and Dumaye villages located on the outskirts of the town ahead of an anticipated assault.

The SNA and Galmudug forces staged advance along with key entry point into Guri’el to circle the city which is under the control of Ahlu Sunna, an armed Sufi group. The military build-up sparked displacements.

Local residents confirmed to Keydmedia English that the Turkish-trained elite Gorgor troops are expected to lead the way into the strategic town, where they will face fierce resistance from ASWJ.

The offensive is the biggest operation against Ahlu Sunna, an arch-foe of Al-Shabaab by Galmudug state under the stewardship of Qoor-Qoor, an ally to Villa Somalia. It is expected to take weeks, if not months.

ASWJ has made a surprise comeback last month after nearly two years of absence and seized control of the district on October 1 without a battle from Somali government forces who abandoned their bases.

ASWJ recruited many young loyal fighters from local communities after taking Guri'el, where the top Sufi leaders are stationed, and plotting a strategy to regain control of Galmudug. 

KEYDMEDIA English