The Galmudug regional state has stated that the government-led anti-al Shabab operations to liberate the El Bur District in the Galgadud region of Somalia are at an advanced stage.
According to El Bur District Commissioner Nur Hassan Gutale, mobilization is complete, and it is only a matter of time before the offensive to liberate El Bur begins. Gutale has also confirmed the lifting of restrictions on the town, which were previously intended to sabotage the militants but were later reviewed due to an outcry from El Bur residents.
The commissioner’s remarks come as the federal government prepares to launch the second phase of the ongoing military operation against Al-Shabaab. However, pundits fear the start of the Gu’ seasonal rains could hamper the operations.
On Tuesday, the Somali National Army (SNA) killed 30 al-Shabab militants and injured several others after heavy fighting between the two sides in southern Somalia.
SNA Infantry Commander Mohamed Tahlil Bihi told the Somali News Agency that the army, backed by pro-government militia Ma’awisley, repulsed the militants during the operation. The al-Shabab extremist group claimed to have killed 20 soldiers, wounded ten others, and burned two vehicles during the fight.
