Somalia: Alshabab fighters retreat from Dhusamareb

Intense fighting between government allied Ahlu Sunna Waljama’a (ASJ) fighters and Al Shabab claimed the lives of at least 20 people and injured 30 more in the latest clash for Dhusamareb. Al Shabab launched a surprise attack on Dhusamareb, the capital of Galgadud region in central Somalia in the early hours of the morning and easily pushed out Ahlu Sunna militants.

ASJ fighters managed to regroup shortly after and reclaimed the town from Al Shabab.

Hiiraan Online cannot independently verify but both sides claim victory.

Eyewitnesses in the town reported heavy casualties on warring sides with lorry trucks dumping bodies it brought it from the outskirts of the town where the fighting is said to have been the worst.

Residents say Al Shabab kidnapped several intellectuals and local leaders from their homes in the early hours they controlled the area.

The two sides have fought fiercely over the past two years for control of Dhusamareb which has exchanged hands several times over the course of the conflict.

Despite reports of Al Shabab growing division amongst its ranks after they lost many ground to the allied forces, the group continues to launch reprisal attacks on different preferred targets.        

MaakhirNews.com