MOGADISHU, Somalia – The President of Federal Republic of Somalia, Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed has lauded latest military efforts after country’s army seized key towns previously held by al Qaeda linked Al Shabaab.
Mohamed says he encouraged Somali National Army leading the operations and successfully liberating Al Shabaab territories in Lower Shabelle region.
He urged military forces to continue liberating towns in south and central held by al Shabaab.
Mohamed’s remarks came after especial forces managed to seize Sabib and Anole areas, some 40km away from Somali capital Mogadishu, after heavy gun fighting.
The insurgent group had major bases in Sabib and Anole where the especial forces re-captured on Monday, according to a military official, who asked to be anonymous.
The group was ousted out of Mogadishu in 2011. The group also wants to impose a strict version of Islam in the Horn of Africa nation.
The al Qaeda linked group lost territory in recent years to Somali army forces and African Union forces, after joint military operations.
However, Al-Shabab, which is al-Qaida’s East Africa affiliate, has been waging insurgency for more than years in Somalia.
