Event:
Somali troops repelled on of the largest al Shabaab attacks aimed in recapturing the agricultural town of Afgoye near Mogadishu according to officials on Tuesday 16th February.
The al Shabaab attempted to run over the town at night with residents reporting loud blasts and gunfire attacked checkpoints manned by Somali troops in the town when they were overpowered the SNA troops and pushed back and out.
Summary:
Afgoye town, which is one of the most agriculturally rich areas in Somalia was recaptured by the SNA and allied troops under AMISOM in 2011. The attack which involved loud blasts and heavy gunfire by dozens of militants is the largest they al Qaeda affiliate-Al Shabaab has mounted in a bid to capture the town. The town is economically and geographically strategic due to its proximity to Mogadishu.
SNA troops have reported inflicted serious casualties on the al Shabaab militants as they drove them out of the town which they had occupied earlier in the night unveiling the improved capabilities of the SNA troops to overrun any militant attacks.
Somali’s Prime Minister last year vowed that the al Shabaab would be defeated by 2016 which despite their recent maneuvers and seemingly increased capabilities has been met with lethal force. The security agencies in Somalia have exhibited resilience and renewed operational capabilities with collaboration between intelligence and ground troops at a record highest. This has helped the troops preempt and thwart attacks by the militants.
