Tuesday September 12, 2023
Somali National Army (SNA) forces on Monday regained full control of the al-Shabab stronghold El Garas in the central state of Galgaduud, a government official said.
Abdirahman Yusuf Al-adala, deputy minister of information, culture and tourism, said Mohamed Mohamud Ahmed, a member of the Galmudug Parliament, and Abdullahi Ibrahim Shaiye, a member of the Dhusamareb Local Council, were killed and others wounded in a landmine blast in the area during the operation to liberate the area.
"The removal of al-Shabab terrorists from El Garas Town is significant to the ongoing offensive operation against terrorists in the area. The army is currently conducting a clearance operation in the town," Al-adala told the Somali National News Agency.
Al-Shabab militants claimed responsibility for the latest attack but did not comment on the fall of their strategic location into government control.
The recapture of El Garas Town came a day after a deadly attack at a military base in Awdheegle Town in southern Somalia, where the SNA said it killed more than 20 al-Shabab militants.