(20-08-23) DHUSAMAREB – The Somali National Army, previously stationed at Guriceel, on Sunday, initiated a significant movement towards Jaaw, a mere 50km south of Guriceel. Positioned crucially between Elbur and Guricel, Jaaw’s capture could prove instrumental in weakening the militia’s influence in the Central Region.
Two contingent groups embarked on their mission; the first left Guriceel on Friday afternoon, closely followed by the second on Sunday morning. Both contingents utilised the same strategic route. Major Abdifitah Haruse Dahir, the esteemed commander of the 15th Battalion of the 21st Division, is spearheading this movement.
General Abdullahi Ali Aanood, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence, confirmed during a press briefing in Mogadishu that their forces are stationed in the village of Dhagaxweyn, just 7 km away from the pivotal Jaw village. “The troops are on the designated route, and once war commences, they’re prepared,” he confidently remarked.
The army’s strategic blueprint seeks to eradicate the Al-Shabaab presence scattered between Jaw and Burjeed, both separated by roughly 20km. This operation aims to fortify both the surrounding villages and more remote areas.
This calculated movement is not merely an offensive but also a strategic plan to increase pressure on the Al-Shabaab militia from all directions, particularly areas surrounding the city of Eelbur, which is their main stronghold in the Central Region.
However, as the army prepares for this significant confrontation, they remain aware of the need to bolster the security of both rural and remote regions, ensuring safety before the eventual entrance into Elbur.
Guriceel’s governor, Anas Abdi Macallin, made an impassioned statement urging the Galmudug community’s patience during these challenging times. He metaphorically suggested that they “lace up their shoes” in readiness for the forthcoming events, a local saying that implies preparing for action or challenges.
The city of Elbur is notably the epicentre of operations in the Galmudug regions and is currently the most strategically important stronghold that Al-Shabaab maintains in the Central Regions.
Halqabsi News
