...a semiautonomous region in central Somalia, bordering Puntland on the north. Galmudug is not trying to obtain international recognition as a separate nation, but rather considers itself autonomous within the larger Somali federalism, for what that's worth...
regional soldiers and community fighters wrested control of a strategic village in central Somalia on Saturday.
The president of Galmudug state Ahmed Abdi Karie Qoor-Qoor has confirmed the seizure of Elbur, a few kilometers away from the al-Shabaab
...... the personification of Somali state failure...’s main stronghold — Harardhere city.
The takeover came after a well-planned military offensive against al-Shabaab, according to a statement released by the Galmudug presidency which was sent to the newsrooms.
The troops were praised for the heroic move to liberate the area, which is said to be the door to Harardhere’s capture. The snuffies are reported to have fled their bases.
Galmudug state said the liberation efforts are yielding fruits and the allied forces are preparing for the big recapture of remaining towns in the Galgadud and Mudug regions.
Somali president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud paid a visit to the frontlines last year to meet the troops and clan militias making gains that prompted local and international praises.
Al-Shabaab now facing the biggest battlefield defeats in 11 years after losing the majority of its strongholds to the Somali government in the current war.
Over the past few months, Somali govt forces have consolidated gains against al-Shabaab in a large-scale offensive in central regions.