The Ministry of Defense of Somalia on Thursday has spoken of the fierce fighting that enters the third day running.
Somali National Army (SNA) backed by Ma’awisley forces are engaged in a fierce fighting with Al-Shabab militants in Aboorey settlement which is 30 km North of Buuloburde district in Hiiraan region.
The Ministry of Defense Spokesman, Abuukar Ma’alin Mohamud said that operations underway in Aboorey settlement which are aimed to weaken the operational capabilities of the al-Qaeda-linked terrorist group of Al-Shabab.
The spokesman said that the operation to flush out Al-shabab militants from Aboorey settlement and its environs is underway and the Somali troops have a national duty so as to eliminate Al-Shabab remnants from the area.
The Spokesman told the Somali BBC that the Somali troops inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy.
He said that the Somali troops are fighting so as to reach a victory or to be killed and become martyrs.
He further added that those killed in the fighting, they will be in the mercy of almighty Allah.
He further revealed that Al-Shabab was utterly defeated in their attempts to take control of Aboorey.
He disclosed that the government will provide full details of the number of casualties once the Somali troops bring the operation to an end.
Abuukar stated that the Somali troops drove out Al-Shabab militants from most parts of Aboorey settlement except a few Al-Shabab remnants that the Somali army besieged.
Once he was asked the reason that prolonged the fighting, he responded by saying that Aboorey is a strategic settlement.
He said: ” Aboorey is a strategic settlement where the enemy was keen to take control. For that reason, the enemy fought tooth and nail so that the settlement will be under their control. The Somali Army and Ma’awisley forces have felt the enemy’s intention and swore in Allah to dislodge Al-Shabab militants from the area. That is why the fighting prolonged because it is a strategic area.
The Army Chief, General Odawaa Yusuf Raage is currently in Aboorey settlement and he is there so as the Somali troops drive out Al-Shabab from the area.
