Thursday July 11, 2024
Somali National Army and local forces secure the Buurweyn area in Hiiraan, following a successful operation against Al-Shabaab militants.
Beledweyne (HOL) — Somali government and local forces have recaptured key territories in the Hiiraan region from the Al-Shabaab militant group, officials said.
Officials reported that the Somali National Army and allied local forces took control of Buurweyn and Shaw, major strongholds in the western part of Hiiraan. The operation did not result in any reported casualties.
Nur Mohamed Absuge, chairman of the Jalalaqsi district, confirmed to the National Media that government and local forces have fully taken control of Buurweyn and Shaw.
These gains come amid a broader effort by the Somali government and regional forces to dismantle Al-Shabaab’s presence. Recently, the Somali National Army and Jubbaland State forces seized several areas in Lower Juba, including Lagta Qubbi and Golhadamo, as part of operations to clear the road between Kismayo and Afmadow.
The capture of Buurweyn and Shaw is expected to weaken Al-Shabaab’s influence in western Hiiraan significantly. The operation followed a disruptive attack by Al-Shabaab on the Jalalaqsi district the previous night. Al-Shabaab had controlled Buurweyn and Shaw for more than ten years.