Army steps up ops against Al-Qaeda-linked militants in Somalia

Major Mohamed Abdiwahid served as presidential guard unit member before moving to lead the elite Gorgor forces and he has been instrumental in the war and led the successful liberation of key areas.

News Keydmedia Online
11 June 2021

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The Somali army has dramatically increased the tempo of its military operations against the Al-Qaeda-affiliated Al-Shabaab militant group in the Horn of Africa.

The government deployed additional troops to the Middle Shabelle region this week in an effort to counter violent extremism, in the wake of the recent killing of the commander of the 6th battalion of Gorgor brigade.

The Turkish trained commander died during fierce combat between Somali forces and Al-Shabaab around War-isse area just outside Jowhar, becoming the highest-ranking officer to be killed in the Ops.

Major Mohamed Abdiwahid served as presidential guard unit member before moving to lead the elite Gorgor forces and he has been instrumental in the war and led the successful liberation of key areas.

The SNA chief Gen Odowa Yusuf Rage who is on the frontline said at least 300 Al-Shabaab members have been killed in a three-week-long operation in the region, adding that more ground was captured.

The ground offensive comes as the country is preparing for its parliamentary and presidential elections in July with Al-Shabaab trying to influence the poll by preventing elders from picking the lawmakers.

KEYDMEDIA English