Al-Shabaab militants flee as military onslaught intensifies in S. Somalia

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

Dahir Mohamed, a senior commander in Somali national army, told Xinhua the Al-Shabaab fighters were overpowered by the military operation and retreated to avoid casualties.

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

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

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

Meanwhile, a military operation to flush out Al-Shabaab from their hideouts in the Bakool region of Southwest Somalia will be launched soon.

Local officials confirmed to Xinhua 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 African nation. Endit