(24-08-23) DHUSAMAREB –The Somali National Army, supported by local residents, successfully reclaimed the village of Dac in the Galgaduud region, a crucial step in a broader strategy to liberate the Elbur district. Located 17 km from Al-Shabaab Stronghold Town of Elbur, the village was secured earlier on Thursday.
The Ministry of Defence released a statement acknowledging the operation’s success: “We’re pleased to announce the complete liberation of Dac village… This marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability.” The statement also confirmed no casualties among the government and local forces and reported that the village residents were safe.
This success is part of a phase one offensive to expel Al-Shabaab fighters from the Galmudug and Shirshabelle federal member states. The operation follows the recent recapture of important villages and towns including Wabxo, Jaaw and Coosweyne, also in Galgaduud.
Forces are now engaged on three fronts around Elbur, with plans for a strategic move into the city in the coming days. The reclaiming of Dac is especially significant given Elbur’s history; it was a focal point in the Indian Ocean operation under previous President Hassan Sheikh and was initially captured by AMISOM and government forces in March 2014. However, Al-Shabaab regained control in April 2017 following the withdrawal of Ethiopian AMISOM troops.
For the first time in nine years, the fight against Al-Shabaab in Elbur is now led solely by the Somali National Army and local residents, signalling a notable shift in the country’s counter-terrorism strategy.
Halqabsi News
