Zegabi

The Somali Army and African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) forces successfully liberated a town in central Somalia from the control of Islamic militant group, al Shabab, on Thursday.

According to reports, heavy gunfire echoed for several hours in the fringes of Rabdhure – which is located in the Bakool region, southwestern Somalia.

Reports indicate that a total of 12 casualties have been recorded on both sides.

Clashes seem to have begun yesterday as an unidentified resident of Rabdhure told Garowe Online that many residents of the district escaped from their homes on Tuesday night.

This is the second town reclaimed from the terrorists this year after Mahaday was liberated last month under similar conditions.

Reports indicate that Ethiopian AMISOM forces have been posted at specific locations across the town.

Rabdure was reportedly an important station for al Shabab; from where the group is believed to have prepared for its attacks in Bakool and other areas.

The BBC has revealed that the security forces are heading towards the capital of Bakol, Hudur – which is reportedly controlled by the terrorists.

Commentators have speculated that Thursday’s attack is related to an imminent clamp down on al Shabab’s strongholds in nearby Gedo reported by Somali officials last month. However, there has been no official confirmation of this.

On Monday, al Shabab reported that they had reclaimed Raage-Elle after the military allegedly withdrew from the town.

Keydmedia Somalia quotes an unidentified resident of the town saying “Columns of heavily armed al Shabab fighters on battle wagons were seen patrolling all streets in the town Tuesday morning after the government troops moved out the city.”

Although AMISOM and Somali security forces have limited the terrorists’ area of operation to a few communities in central and southern Somalia, al Shabab have proven they are still capable of attacking protected areas with numerous failed plots in Mogadishu this year.

As the offensive to kick the group out of Somalia gains momentum, the Somali President, Abdiweli Mohamed Ali, has told Reuters that al Shabab may relocate to difficult terrains in Puntland. He has therefore called for continued support for the campaign against the group.

On Wednesday, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) unanimously voted to increase the conditions for the delivery of arms in Somalia after reports emerged that the embargo was being violated.

The council has extended the easing of the embargo to October and has ordered the Somali government to prepare a report detailing the nation’s security infrastructure and the composition of its security force.

Photo by Press TV.