MOGADISH – A fierce battle between Somali government forces supported by local militias and the al-Shabaab militants have been raging in the Abori region for more than a week, with both sides and casualties continuing to rise.
The clashes that began on April 8th have become a key front in the government’s ongoing campaign against al-Qaeda-related groups.
Local Somali officials say the Abori victory in Hiran will hit Al Shabaab’s operation in the region.
Meanwhile, Al Shabaab appears to be determined to disrupt the government’s supply line from the strategic town of Bourbades and potentially push it towards Yaziman.
Military commanders report that air support in the area has declined over the past week, possibly extending standoffs and allowing extremists to maintain their position.
The victim figures remain unconfirmed, but local sources explain the big losses on both sides as the fighting shows no signs of mitigation.
