Somalia: Galmudug authorities deny take over of towns by al-Shabaab

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Somalia: Galmudug authorities deny take over of towns by al-Shabaab

DHUSAMAREEB (HORN OBSERVER) - Authorities in Somalia's Galmudug state have dismissed reports that towns vacated by Somali forces fell to al-Shabaab militant group in central region of the horn of Africa nation barely two days after fierce fighti

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DHUSAMAREEB (HORN OBSERVER) - Authorities in Somalia's Galmudug state have dismissed reports that towns vacated by Somali forces fell to al-Shabaab militant group in central region of the horn of Africa nation barely two days after fierce fighting between Somali military and al-Shabaab fighters in Mudug region.

Speaking to BBC Somali service, Galmudug information minister, Ahmed Shire Falagle said Amara and Ba'adweyne towns were under the control of Somali military and Galmudug state forces.

The minister vowed the forces would intensify their operation against al-Shabaab fighters in the region.

"In the coming hours, we will share with the public the location of the troops and our ongoing operations. We can assure you that the enemy has captured not a single well," he said.

The remarks of the minister came on the heel of al-Shabaab claim that their fighters managed to wrest the control of the towns without resistance after Somali forces withdrew from the localities.

Last Tuesday, heavily armed Al-Shabaab fighters stormed SNA military base in Amara town, prompting long hours fighting with Somali military.

The attack on Amaara and a subsequent roadside explosion in the same vicinity killed at least six people, including four Somali soldiers.

Somali troops recaptured the town after reinforcement from Galmudug state forces.

Hours later, US military conducted airstrike against al-Shabaab fighters who briefly seized Amara town following fierce fighting with Somali military.

"In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted a collective self-defense strike against al-Shabaab fighters engaged in active combat with our Somali partners in the vicinity of Amara, Somalia, on Aug. 24," US statement confirmed.

The statement added that no civilians were killed or injured based on its initial assessment.

Somali authorities claimed that the airstrike killed more than 90 al-Shabaab fighters.