Somali National Army (SNA) troops have recaptured a strategic town in Central Somalia from the Al-Shabaab militant group.
SNA carried out a joint operation with Djibouti troops operating under African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) that led to the liberation of Luqa Jelow in Beledweyne.
Al-Shabaab has been carrying out several attacks in the region against government officials, soldiers, AMISOM troops, and local individuals for a long time.
SNA’s General Salah Muse confirmed that the fight indeed took place. He said the fight lasted several hours Al-Shabaab fighters took off into the thickets.
Al-Shabaab continues to control vast swathes of rural Somalia, especially in the southern and central parts of the country.
The presence of the militants in this region has created uncertainty and allowed room for chaos to prevail.
Two youths abducted by the militants were also freed during the operation.