Somali forces recapture key village from Al-Shabaab

Somalia National Army (SNA) backed by AU forces recaptured El-Garas village in Bakool region of southwest Somalia on Sunday without resistance from the militant group of Al-Shabaab, officials said.

Information Minister for Southwest State in Somalia, Ugas Hassan told Xinhua by phone that the operations were still underway to liberate more areas still under Al-Shabaab control including Tiyeglow town where Ethiopian troops quit in October.

"Forces from Southwest State and SNA jointly carried out operation against the militants in the region and recaptured El-Garas, a key location and they are going to liberate Tiyeglow town, about 90 kilometers to Hudur town. There was no resistance from the militants, but they fled, our forces are making some developments at the moment," Hassan said.

He added that the Southwest State could not tolerate the brutal actions committed by Al-Shabaab militants against residents. "We are committed to liberate and restore peace and stability in the region," he said.

The latest military development came after Al-Shabaab militants beheaded five civilians outside Tiyeglow town on Oct. 31 after Ethiopian troops withdrew from there. Somali official vowed to liberate it. Endit