Somali army thwarts Al-Shabaab attack on Berdale

On Friday night, the Somali National Army successfully thwarted an Al-Shabaab attack in Berdale, a town located in the southern Bay region of Somalia within the South-West Regional State, as reported by the defense ministry.

“Last night, our National Army, supported by local residents, successfully repelled a Kharijite militia attack on Berdale district, Bay region,” the the defense ministry said on Saturday.

The statement further noted that the operation resulted in the elimination of the group’s commander along with other militants.

On their part, Al Shabaab confirmed the attack on the town and claimed to have forced government troops to ‘flee’ their base.

The attack comes as the government intensifies its offensive campaign against Al Shabaab in the country.