Marka — The Somali Federal Government forces aided by African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) peacekeepers have seized Lower Shabelle region town of Qoryoley, about 120km south west of Mogadishu from Al Qaeda linked Al Shabaab fighters on Saturday, making the 8th town to be liberated within four weeks, Garowe Online reports.
The allied forces began to thrust into Qoryoley in the early hours of Saturday morning, with witnesses reporting that the militants vacated the town after heavy fighting. AMISOM confirmed the seizure on its twitter feed: "Qoryole town which has just been captured by SNA & AMISOM troops is the 8th to be liberated this month alone".
Lower Shabelle region Governor Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur Siidi told the media that Somali National Army soldiers along with African Union peacekeepers forcibly flushed l Shabaab fighters out of Qoryoley town.
"The anti-peace elements fled Qoryoley after our brave forces attacked the town from different directions," said Siidi.
Al Qaeda linked Al Shabaab group is losing battle against Somali Government forces and AMISOM as military campaign intensifies in central and southern Somalia.
Independent sources tell GO that Ethiopian peacekeepers in battle tanks are advancing towards Galgaduud regional district of El Bur, Al Shabaab's biggest bastion in central Somalia. Ministerial delegation were dispatched to the liberated areas including Bakool regional capital of Hudur in southwestern Somalia to asses the security and humanitarian situation.
Credit:
Garowe Online (Garowe)
