Reports from Hiiraan region region say that fierce fighting erupted in the outskirts of Aboorey settlement in the East of Hiiran province. Somali gov’t troops backed by local clan Ma’awisley forces on Tuesday launched an attack on Al-shabab militants who briefly captured Aboorey which is under the administration of Buuloburde. The gov’t troops and allied militia attacked Aboorey settlement from multiple directions and successfully drove out Al-Shabab militants from the area.
Reports further confirm that the Somali troops once again attacked Al-shabab militants, who were regrouping in the vicinity of Aboorey settlement. Local residents said that the Somali troops and Al-Shabab fighters engaged in a fierce battle where the two sides used all kinds of heavy weapons. Reports further indicate that the fighting is still underway in Aboorey environs. Somali Military Command mobilized troops in a bid to dislodge Al-shabab militants from the settlement.
It was quite clear that the fighting could break out if Al-shabab did not withdraw from the area. Security experts expressed their worry over Al-Shabab’s takeover of Aboorey settlement. The initial plan of the militant group was to reinforce its presence in Yasooman settlement in order to control the main road connecting Yasooman to Maxaad district.
Al-Shabab’s control of the road would be a constraint to the second phase of operations which are aimed at flushing out Al-Shabab militants from the region. The casualties of both sides are not yet clear regarding the war that is going on in Aboorey for the second day running. It is reported that clashes ensued between gov’t troops and Al-Shabab fighters claimed the lives of both sides including deaths and injuries.
