Somalia: Al-Shabaab plots to retake Dhusamareb town after suffering heavy losses
Somalia-based al-Shabaab militants have renewed efforts to retake the historical city of Dhusamareb, the regional administrative capital of Galmadug, top officials said, following the most recent unsuccessful raid in the east of the city, which was met by resistance from government forces.
For the last couple of months, the Somali National Army [SNA], AU mission troops, and the US Africa Command have been fighting to dislodge the militants from Central and southern Somalia, which have for a long time been under the authoritarian rule of the Al-Qaeda linked group.
In the process, the government has managed to reclaim several towns across Somalia, including the recent recapture of strategic Janaale town. The agricultural-rich town was one of al-Shabaab main revenue source, and it’s capture marked a major milestone for the security forces.
But at Dhusamareb, government officials said, the militants have been encroaching from different strategic points, further causing anxiety. The situation has been worsened by the presence of ASWJ militia, which is a moderate Sufi group that has since fallen out with government forces.