Hiiraan Online
Wednesday, April 6, 2016
MOGADISHU (HOL) – Somali and African Union forces have pushed out militants from a town in southern Somalia Wednesday, as parts of a new military push aimed at recovering lost territory and opening a major road linking Somali capital to central regions, officials said.
Col. Mohamed Mumin, a senior Somali military official told reporters that the forces have taken control of Adan Yabal, a long time rebel-held small town in Middle Shabelle region.
Al-Shabab fighters have reportedly withdrawn the town after brief clashes with the allied forces that entered the town from the eastern direction.
The recapture of Adan has dealt a major blow to the militant group which continues guerrilla attacks across large parts of south and central Somalia as troops edged closer to the highway between Mogadishu and central Somalia blocked by militants.
The major highway which passes through large forested areas is a vital trade route that links southern, central and northern Somalia regions.
Al Shabab hasn’t yet commented on the development, however, it comes as allied forces continue the multi-pronged offensive against the areas still under Al-Shabab group.
The offensive dubbed ‘Indian Ocean’ which was halted last year was resumed after Al-Shabab fighters launched multiple deadly attacks including three complex attacks on the African Union military bases in Somalia that saw militants overrun the bases since late last year, killing dozens of soldiers.
Military officials said that the resumption of the offensive which was halted seven months ago gave Al Shabab more freedom to organize guerrilla attacks that saw its fighters recaptured towns and villages across Somalia.