Reports from Middle Shabelle region confirmed that Alshabab militant group retreated its fighters from key districts where anti-terrorism operations are underway. Reliable sources further confirmed that Alshabab fighters vacated strategic towns of El-Baraf and Biyo-Adde.
The strategic towns were recently recaptured by Alshabab militant group after gallant Somali troops and its allied clan fighters withdrew from the towns on military tactics. Alshabab launched counterattacks which forced Somali National Army to retreat. Local residents have further said that Alshabab have left the districts and surrounding villages without a clear reason. Alshabab fighters are reported to have left for Shabelle River particularly in the border between Hiran and Middle Shabelle region.
It is reported that the al-Qaeda-linked terrorist group of Alshabab mobilized its fighters along the border between Hiran and Middle Shabelle region. Before alshabab exited from the districts of El-Baraf and Biyo-Adde, they spoke to the local residents and shared with their exit plan. It is not so far clear what other issues Alshabab fighters raised with the local residents that they have spoken to. Somali army stationed in nearby have not taken control of the towns vacated by Alshabab fighters.
What has expedited Alshabab’s exit from the districts is interpreted due to pressure from the Somali troops which conducted anti-terrorism operations and airstrikes conducted by int’l partners targeted Alshabab hideouts in Middle Shabelle region. An airstrike destroyed a makeshift bridge that Alshabab recently constructed in Oobaale area in Middle Shabelle region. Alshabab used to transport its combat vehicles and fighters using this bridge.
National Intelligency and Security Agency (NISA), in conjunction with Int’l partners carried out an airstrike which destroyed the bridge. NISA said in a statement that the bridge was a route for Alshabab fighters crossing into Middle Shabelle region in order to disrupt peace and stability. The Somali gov’t has not so far issued a statement regarding Alshabab’s withdrawal from El-Baraf and Biyo-Adde districts.
