Reports from Middle Shabelle province say that fierce clashes took place in the outskirts of Raage-Elle district. The fighting broke out after the local defense forces known as Ma’awisley got an information in advance the movement of troops that Al-Shabab militants were conducting in the settlements in Jabada orJabado Arbeed and Garas Mahaa Omar which lie in the North of Raage-Elle district.
Reports further indicate that the local defense forces engaged fierce clashes with Al-Shabab fighters after the Somali National Army’s elite Gorgor force reinforced the local defense forces. The fierce clashes lasted until yesterday evening. Details pertaining to the casualties are sketchy due to poor telecommunication system. It was quoted from the Somali Military Officers who are stationed in Raage-Elle district that the fighting was aimed to foil Al-Shabab fighters who planned to launch attacks on the district.
They were conducting mobilizations in Raage-Elle, Adale districts and other nearby settlements in order the Somali troops to return to the settlements in the East of Middle Shabelle province in which they recently lose control.
The militant group of Al-Shabab recently conducted troop movements against the Somali National Army (SNA) in settlements that under the authority of Raage-Elle district. Their objective was to foil mobilizations of the Somali National Army (SNA) and the local defense forces.
On the other hand, two senior Al-Shabab leaders on Thursday were killed in Guulane settlement in Middle Shabelle province. The two senior Al-Shabab leaders killed played a huge role in directing the attacks launched by the militant group in the region.
The Commander of Ma’awisley local defense forces, Ahmed Dhagey Hurshow said that the Al-Shabab leaders were killed in a holy operation.. He told that the Al-Shabab leaders were killed with their bodyguards and confiscated their weapons.
