| More on this brief story from yesterday. |
...... Somalia's version of the Taliban, functioning as an arm of al-Qaeda...
's devastating attack, the military said on Monday, in the latest successes by the national army, which has been fighting to neutralize the group whose grip across the country is still firm and unpredictable.
According to military sources, the al-Shabaab's planned attack at Dara Nicma was repulsed following a tip-off from members of the public who have been working closely with security forces. The government has repeatedly emphasized the need for close collaboration between civilians and members of the forces in the al-Shabaab war.
The terror group said it captured the key town but, the defense ministry rejected the claim, saying the area remains "under our unwavering control". The two have been of strategic importance with the al-Shabaab taking it over multiple times before losing subsequent battles to Somali National.
According to reports, the snuffies were planning to attack the SNA base within the vicinity but the strategy was counterproductive, leading to quick response from security teams that were patrolling the area. The al-Shabaab has been effective in launching counterattacks.
The al-Shabaab snuffies have been losing significant territories to the Somali government in recent weeks, with the loss at Dumaaye village being the most fatal in recent days. According to the government, the
...KABOOM!...
left over 178 holy warriors dead, but al-Shabaab denies the claim.