Somali government forces liberate El Lahelay area in Hiiraan

Somali government forces have intensified operations to liberate areas under al-Shabaab in central Somalia. In a statement, the Somali military said the government forces managed to recapture several villages under the Halgan district among them are El-Lahelay, Qasaalay and Buur Gaabo.

The statement adds that the Somali military successfully defeated al-Shabaab fighters and liberated areas in Halgan district following two-day operations against al-Shabaab fighters. The military claimed to have killed over ten Al-Shabaab fighters and recovered weapons and medical kits.

Al-Shabaab has not yet commented on the claims of the Somali military.

Somalia military has recently intensified operations against al-Shabaab in central and southern Somalia. Al-Shabaab currently controls dozens of villages and small towns. The group also carries out deadly attacks on government institutions, military bases and AU troops.