Local defense forces launched a planned operation in settlements that are under Halgan district in Hiraan region. The operation targeted several villages where Al-Shabab militants were stationed.
They attacked Ceel Dheer and Xalaalay villages that are nearby Halgan district. Initial reports indicate that the local defense forces inflicted heavy casualties on Al-Shabab militants.
They killed four Al-Shabab fighters during the operation. An officer who spoke on behalf of the local defense forces known as Ma’awsiley told the local media that they killed four Al-shabab leaders, but he declined to identify the names of the Al-shabab leaders killed in the operation.
He told that the other Al-shabab fighters have escaped and crossed Shabelle River and went to the West. The operation came at a time when reports say that there is Al-shabab movement in the district. Reports further say that the militant group of Al-shabab crossed to the East of Shabelle River. There was a fear that the militant group might launch attacks from there.
Settlements that are under Buuloburde and Halgan districts are the ones that are impacted by Al-shabab’s movement. Ma’awisley local defense forces conducted operations in order to prevent the militant group of Al-Shabab to expand its presence in Hiiraan region.
