The Somali National Army in collaboration with the local defense forces known as Ma’awisley yesterday made a rapid progress by advancing towards Mahaas District in the Hiiraan province, after they engaged in fierce clashes with Al-Shabaab militants in areas under the jurisdiction of Mahaas.
Al-Shabab fighters yesterday launched unprecedented attacks on military positions manned by the Somali National Army from multiple directions that lie between Suulllaay and Teedaan settlements while the two sides engaged in fierce clashes using all kinds of heavy weapons.
Reports indicate that the fighting ceased at midday while Al-Shabaab fighters managed to seize the military base but intense clashes erupted in the afternoon on the outskirts of Teedaan settlement and the Somali National Army managed to capture new territory.
Reports add that the Somali forces advanced past the defensive positions held by Al-Shabaab in parts of the Hassan Raqay, Xagar, Sulmo and Ina Baale areas.
Reliable sources say that Somali troops and local defense forces known as-Ma’awisley forces who departed from east of Teedaan are currently stationed on the outskirts of Goobo settlement that lies 15 km from north of Mahaas District while they are awaiting for Somali National Army, specifically the 21st Division who is coming from the city of Guriceel in the Galguduud region.
Units of the Somali National Army, specifically the 5th Brigade and the 27th Division are currently stationed on the south of Teedaan area while Suullaay area is still under the control of Al-Shabaab militants.
Conversely, an airstrike reportedly took place last night near the northern checkpoint of the Goobo area. Reports further indicate that Turkish military officers in response to a request made by the Somali Federal Government carried out airstrikes targeting the front gate of the Goobo area.
It is expected that the airstrikes will continue until today and will assist the Somali forces to make rapid progress in the ground operations that are ongoing. Goobo is Al-Shabaab’s primary stronghold in Mahaas District; if the militia is removed from that area, their presence in the district will be jeopardized.
It appears that the major attack launched by Al-Shabaab on this Saturday on military positions on the outskirts of Teedaan area has intensified military movements in the eastern parts of the Hiiraan region
