The Somali National Army (SNA) and the local defense forces that are operational in Hiiraan province on Tuesday launched an attack on Al-shabab positions in the Huad area that lies in the border between Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle provinces. The attack took place particularly in El-Hareeri settlement which targeted strategic bases that Al-shabab established trenches where senior Al-Shabab leaders were stationed.
Initial reports say that there was a fierce fighting underway in the area. Although the exact number of casualties are not officially confirmed, but sources within the settlements say that there are casualties from both sides. The attack comes after Somali troops and the local defense forces conducted operations in the border areas between Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle provinces.
The operation that the allied forces conducted for the past couple of days resulted the death of Al-Shabab fighters while Somali military officers were also killed in the armed clashes. Officials including the Director of National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), MP’s hailing from Hiiraan region and other officials are currently stationed in the frontlines in order to inspect and expedite anti-Al-shabab offensives.
The attack that transpired today is part of an ongoing efforts which is aimed to drive out Al-Shabab from areas under its control. The Somali National Army and the local defense forces engaged fighting with the militant group of Al-Shabab for the past three days. The allied forces recaptured strategic areas which were under Al-Shabab’s control.
