Saturday August 12, 2023
Jowhar (HOL) - Somali National Army (SNA), backed by local militia forces, recaptured the villages of Runirgood and Hilowle Gab in the Middle Shabelle region following a military operation on Saturday.
According to residents, the joint forces positioned on the outskirts of the villages for the past few days have successfully ousted the al-Shabab militants. Intense operations are underway to flush out some remnants of militants from the areas, as reported by one resident.
Officials from the federal government and the Hirshabelle Regional State are expected to hold a press conference to explain the opposition-led retaking of the two villages, which marks a significant blow to the al-Shabab militants.
Earlier this month, Prime Minister Hamse Abdi Barre announced the commencement of the second phase of the anti-al Shabab operation in the Galmudug and Hirshabelle States. The subsequent operation is slated for Jubbaland and the South West regions.