Wednesday March 29, 2023
Mogadishu (HOL) - Government forces, in collaboration with local Ma'awisley fighters, successfully gained control of several villages in the Gal'ad district of Galgadud on Tuesday. The villages of Tih, Barag Sheikh Aamir, Alihele, and Ali Ahmed were among those captured.
Somali military officials report that as the Al-Shabaab fighters retreated, they destroyed communication masts throughout the Gal'ad district. The government reclamation forces have since surrounded the captured villages, according to the same officials. This operation follows Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's recent visit to the Aden Yabaal district, where he announced the
initiation of the second phase of an offensive aimed at liberating areas held by Al-Shabaab.
The ongoing offensive against Al-Shabaab, which began last year, has reportedly cost the militant group
one-third of its territory, according to the U.S. ambassador to Somalia, Larry André. In the first phase of military operations between August of last year and January, the Somali government reported that
3,000 Al-Shabaab militants were killed, 3,700 were injured, and 70 towns and villages were liberated.
The United States, Turkey and other partners have supported the Somali government's efforts through air support and donating weapons to the Somali government forces. However, despite the pressure on the militant group, Al-Shabaab has continued to carry out major attacks, including the recent recapture of a military base in the southern Jubbaland region.
The second phase of military operations is set to begin during Ramadan, but preparations have
faced criticism for allegedly focusing more on the role of the government and less on the participation of local fighters who contributed to the success of the first phase. Defense Minister Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur has dismissed these criticisms, emphasizing that the fight belongs to the Somali people and the importance of collaboration with locals in the liberation process.
As the Somali National Army continues its efforts to reclaim territory from Al-Shabaab, President Hassan Sheikh remains confident in its ability to succeed in the upcoming phase.