(03-12-23) MOGADISHU (HN) — Somali forces and the local Macawisley troops launched a series of aggressive assaults on Sunday afternoon targeting the towns of Eeldheer and Mesagawa in the eastern sector of the Galguduud region.
The joint forces engaged in fierce combat with Al-Shabaab militants in Mesagawa, leading to the deaths of at least two members of the militant group. The Macawisley army, in a significant blow to Al-Shabaab, confiscated a substantial cache of weapons and briefly established control over Mesagawa. However, by Sunday evening, the forces strategically retreated to Cige, south of Mesagawa.
Simultaneously, the Somali and Macawisley forces accomplished a peaceful takeover of Eeldheer district, facing no resistance from Al-Shabaab. This operation marks the second major offensive against Al-Shabaab in the Eeldheer district within the past two weeks. During a recent operation, these forces successfully neutralized a key Al-Shabaab leader in the district and captured another high-ranking militant.
Following an ambush in Eeldheer, the Al-Shabaab militants fled, leaving the town virtually deserted. Concerns have been raised following reports that Al-Shabaab abducted a local businessman and his son in the Eldheer district two days ago, with speculation that they were taken to the Cowsweyne village.
The commanding officers of the Somali and Macawisley forces have expressed their determination to continue the offensive and expand their territorial control. These officers also announced plans to publicly display the weapons seized from Al-Shabaab, providing evidence of their retreat from Eeldher and Mesagawa towards the Cowsweyne village.
Halqabsi News
