The Somali National Army with the support of the local forces on Monday captured El Garas town about 70 kilometers east of Galgudud region under Galmudug State in Somalia.
Deputy Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Abdirahman Yusuf Al-adala told Somali National News Agency that Al-Shabaab militants fled the town after the joint forces surrounded the area, saying the army is currently conducting clearance operation aimed at ensuring the safety and security of the town after the terrorists.
“Removing Al-Shabaab from El-Garas is big significance reached on the offensive operation against the group”, Adala added.
The operation comes as the Somali National Army and local forces intensified onslaught operations against Al-Shabaab in the south and central Somalia. It also came a day after over 60 Al-Shabaab fighters including misled children killed in Awdhegle town in lower Shabelle region after the group militants attempted attacks at SNA bases there.