Somali army pushes Al-Shabaab out of key town in Middle Shabelle
A female officer of the Somali National Army on frontlines in Run-Nirgod town in Middle Shabelle region. Source: SNTV
The Somali army has pushed out Al-Shabaab out of the strategic town of Run-Nirgod in Somalias’s Middle Shabelle region.
Addressing journalists in the capital Mogadishu Thursday, Somalia’s Defense Ministry Spokesman Abdullahi Ali Anod said the government forces, with the support of local clan militia known as Macawiisley, liberated the strategic town of Run-Nirgod following fierce clashing with the al-Qaeda-affiliated al-Shabaab terrorist group.
Anod added that at least 150 militants, including five foreign fighters, were killed in the offensive while 15 more were captured.
He did not comment on the casualty figures on the army’s side.
The capture of Run-Nirgod presents a massive blow against Al-Shabaab militants as the town was the group’s last stronghold in Middle Shabelle region. Earlier this month, the army liberated Adan Yabaal town, a former stronghold of the group located in the same region.
