Galmudug ‘troop build-up’ near Guri’el alarms ASWJ

Galmudug and Somali government forces have set up bases between Guriel and Eldhere as they prepare to unleash an assault to dislodge the Sufi sect combatants from the whole Galgadud region.

News Keydmedia Online
14 October 2021

GURI’EL, Somalia – Tension is rising high in Guri El in the Galgadud region under the control of Ahlu Sunna fighters after the Somali army along with Galmudug troops advanced towards the town to recapture it.

The city’s residents began to flee to safer places on the outskirts of the town amid a looming military offensive from the allied forces. The situation has been escalating for the past two days.
The displaced people are facing a humanitarian crisis amid drought and water shortages.

On Thursday, ASWJ leaders voted to fight off and defend the key Somali central district which they have retaken early this month without firing a single shot after the troops vacated their military bases.

“We don’t want to leave the city that we liberated from Al-Shabaab 10 years ago. We will fight to the end to defend it,” said Sheikh Shakir, a top Ahlu Sunna group leader.

The military buildup came after the local traditional elders have failed in their efforts to save Galmudug from sliding back into conflict as the regional president Ahmed Qoor-Qoor beating the drums of the war.

Galmudug and Somali government forces have set up bases between Guriel and Eldhere as they prepare to unleash an assault to dislodge the Sufi sect combatants from the whole Galgadud region.

Sources told Keydmedia English that Villa Somalia is backing Galmudug leader in the fight against ASWJ after Farmajo and his security advisor Fahad Yasin deployed Turkish-trained Gorgor forces to the region.

KEYDMEDIA English