MOGADISHU, Somalia – The Somali government said its army captured a major al-Shabab base in central Somalia, marking a significant victory in its military offensive against the al-Qaida linked group.
The SNA backed by local clan militia and Galmudug forces has taken over Baraga Mohamed Da’ud, 16 KM from Dabagalo area in the Mudug region.
The operation led to the liberation of the key area, according to the commander of the 21st SNA division, Lieutenant Colonel Abdi Salad, who confirmed the capture to the state media.
The troops conducted a security operation and mine clearance following the takeover.
According to army officials, Al-Shabaab who were in the area fled to the jungle and the allied forces continued to hunt them down around Harardhere district in Mudug region.
It was one of the areas that Al-Shabaab recaptured after the SNA exit, but the troops now took it back after a major military offensive involved local community fighters.
The majority of central and southern Somali regions were controlled by Al-Shabaab for a long time, however, the SNA troops are now showing commitment to liberating the nation.
