Somali military targets Al-Shabaab’s heartland in new offensive

The Governor of Hiran, Ali Jeyte Osman, who is part of the war praised the forces for their success in the operation, calling on them to continue until they clear the entire region.

News Keydmedia Online
22 August 2022

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The Somali forces operating in the Hiran have wrestled key areas under the Mataban district in the central region, in the latest gain against the Al-Shabaab militants.

The troops did not encounter fierce resistance from Al-Shabaab during the operation, according to the military commanders leading the push against the Al-Qaeda-linked militant group.

They said that the Somali forces will continue operations against Al-Shabaab in areas under Mataban and Mahas districts in the Hiran region, where Al-Shabaab has carried out several attacks.

The Governor of Hiran, Ali Jeyte Osman, who is part of the war praised the forces for their success in the operation, calling on them to continue until they clear the entire region.

In the past few months, the Somali forces, together with the Macwisley militia have been attacking areas under Al-Shabaab, taking over several villages that are key to the success of the offensive.

The fresh operation comes as defense minister Abdulkadir Mohamed and army chief General Odowa Yusuf are visiting the region to boost the moral of the forces battling Al-Shabaab.

Al-Shabaab despite being ejected from key towns, including the capital in 2011, still continues to hold control of large swathes of territory. The group faces US airstrikes and ground offensive.

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