Al-Shabaab militants flee as military onslaught intensifies

Gbenga Bada 15:27 - 14 May 2016

Kenya Defence Force soldiers arrive in Garissa University College in Garissa April 4, 2015.

Local officials confirmed to Xinhua that a military operation to flush out Al-Shabaab from their hideouts in the Bakool Region of Southwest Somalia would be launched soon.

Fighters from Al-Qaeda linked Al-Shabaab terrorist network have fled from their strongholds in the middle Shabelle region of Southern Somalia, following military onslaught from Somali forces and the African Union troops.

Dahir Mohamed, a Senior Commander in Somali National Army, told Xinhua that the Al-Shabaab fighters were overpowered by the military operation and retreated to avoid casualties.

"The Al-Shabaab militants fled from towns in middle Shabelle region once they learnt that the military onslaught was so severe," said Mohamed

Eye witnesses also revealed to Xinhua that the militants fled from their camps following the military assault.

Several towns in southern Somalia have been liberated from Al-Shabaab this year.

According to the official, the forthcoming military operation is aimed at loosening the grip of Al-Shabaab militants in towns and villages located in southwestern parts of the horn of Africa.