Renson Mwakandana
In central Somalia, the Somalia National Army (SNA) and local police killed 46 Al Shabaab members, including five foreign terrorists, according to Galmudug State Information Minister Ahmed Shire Falagle.
According to reports from Dusamareb town, Galmudug’s headquarters, a furious fight broke out early Friday in Bahdo town, east of Dusamareb in the Galgadud area, following an attack by Al Shabaab forces that began with explosives.
The blasts were followed by a two-hour firefight between the attackers and SNA and local troops, which were assisted by armed citizens known locally as macawisleey (volunteers who battle Al Shabaab).
“Our brave soldiers, working with volunteers, killed 46 extreme militants,” Mr. Falagle said, adding that the town had lost two children and a priest.
After the rebels withdrew, four-car explosives were defused, he added.
He told Reuters that “armed civilians and clergy fired dead fighters from every window of every house and from every lane.”
The terrorists’ expulsion in Bahdo town, according to Galmudug State President Ahmed Abdi “QoorQoor,” has historical importance.
“What happened in Bahdo town is a fantastic example of how Al Shabaab may be fought by local troops and residents,” President Abdi told the media.
“It should be copied by Galmudug people and Somalis in other places.” He estimated that 70 militants were slain, with many of them being foreigners.
Al Shabaab acknowledged that nine of its members were killed, but claimed to have killed 27 Galmudug soldiers.
As seen in video recordings circulating on social media and picked up by traditional media, the bodies of jihadists dressed in military uniforms and wearing face masks were displayed in the heart of town.
According to residents, the remains were spread across the town before being gathered and transported to the town center.
Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, the president of Somalia, congratulated Galmudug locals and security troops. “I salute the people of Bahdo town, as well as the Somali and regional troops, for their bravery and sacrifice in confronting the terrorists,” President Mohamud remarked.
“The massive damage done on the terrorists demonstrates the Somali people’s willingness to liberate themselves from the terrorists’ dominance.”
