Event
- Monday 3rd August 2015, Somali National Army backed by the African Union troops, AMISOM seized control of several settlements in Hiiraan region.
- Reports indicate that the allied troops secured El-der and El-Ali villages, located in the western part of Hiiran region.
- Fierce fighting ensued between the allied forces and the Al Shabaab fighters; Somali government forces joint operation with AMISOM troops managed to repulse the Al Shabaab combatants taking control of the two villages.
Analysis
Hiiraan serves a key administrative region in south and central Somalia. The region borders Ethiopia to the northwest and to the northeast, Somalian provinces of Galgudud, Middle Shebelle to the south, Lower Shebelle to the southwest, and Bay and Bakool to the west.
The location of Hiiran is strategic and militants have in the past taken control of Hiiran, taking levy taxes from individuals transporting goods between Baladweyne and Buulo-burde towns.
The fight between Al Shabaab and the Somalia allied forces has intensified over the last few days. The ongoing operation Jubba Corridor has made significant gains over the Al Shabaab fighters.
AMISOM troops backing the Somali National Army (SNA) on Thursday 30th July, 2015 re-took several key towns in Hiiraan region from the Al Shabaab terror militants. The forces drove the militants out of El-Ali later on taking over Buq-aqable without any resistance by from the rebels.
Forecast
Losing grip of Hiiran region is a big blow to Al Shabaab militants as it was a huge source of revenue used to aid their terror activities.
AMISOM encounter at Buq-aqable sends an indicator that the AL Shabaab is no longer able to match the troops’ ability in terms of arms and firepower. The militant’s capability is slowly weakening while the outfit is fragmenting into small cells.
According to Hiiraan Deputy Commissioner Mohamed Ibrahim Abdullahi , the two villages are now under the full control of the allied forces.
Allied forces determined to continue with military operation until the whole region is secured and liberated from the Al Shabaab terrorists.
