Crime Africa

Somalia seizes key port town from Al Shabaab

Somalia Security

Somalia government troops, local state forces and militia have captured an Al-Shabaab stronghold, a former pirates’ haven along the Indian Ocean.

The forces took over Harardhere, a port town in Mudug region, Galmudug State, on Saturday.

The Somali National Army (SNA), allied vigilantes, and local federal state forces launched a major offensive last August, forcing Al-Shabaab to free from territories it had occupied in central Somalia.

The forces also took a nearby town of Galcad, Defence Minister Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur said in a broadcast on state-owned television Monday.

Harardhere was initially a hub for the notorious Somali pirates a decade ago before it was taken over by the militants, becoming its largest base of operations since 2010.

“Haradhere and Galcad districts have been taken from the hands of the al Shabaab terrorists,” Mr Nur said. “This means al Shabaab is overpowered and gone. The remaining towns will also be liberated soon.”

Attacks

Reports indicated that the Al-Shabaab fighters have been forced to flee to rural areas, taking some civilians as hostages.

Government forces teamed up with Puntland Security Force (PSF) from the neighbouring state and local clan militia for the offensive. They aim to retake another Al-Shabaab stronghold, the Eelbur district in Galgadud region, also in Galmudug State.

Al Shabaab has responded to the military action with a series of attacks in the capital Mogadishu and other cities. On Saturday, at least 10 people were killed and scores others injured in three car bombings in Buloburte and Jalalaqsi districts in Hiran region in central Hirshabelle State.

In Jalalqasi town, the militants targeted a camp belonging to the Somali National Army (SNA) and another assault was aimed at the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (Atmis) base. Four persons died as a result.

In Buloburte town, a car exploded at a checkpoint operated by Somali government troops. Six persons died as a result.

Source: theeastafrican.co.ke

Ogyem Solomon

Solomon Ogyem – Media Entrepreneur | Journalist | Brand Ambassador Solomon Ogyem is a dynamic Ghanaian journalist and media entrepreneur currently based in South Africa. With a solid foundation in journalism, Solomon is a graduate of the OTEC School of Journalism and Communication Studies in Ghana and Oxbridge Academy in South Africa. He began his career as a reporter at OTEC 102.9 MHz in Kumasi, where he honed his skills in news reporting, community storytelling, and radio broadcasting. His passion for storytelling and dedication to the media industry led him to establish Press MltiMedia Company in South Africa—a growing platform committed to authentic African narratives and multimedia journalism. Solomon is the founder and owner of Thepressradio.com, a news portal focused on delivering credible, timely, and engaging stories across Ghana and Africa. He also owns Press Global Tickets, a service-driven venture in the travel and logistics space, providing reliable ticketing services. In addition to his media ventures, Solomon serves as a Brand Ambassador for Alabuga, a prominent Russian industrial company, representing their interests and expansion across Africa. He previously owned two notable websites—Ghanaweb.mobi and ShowbizAfrica.net—both of which contributed to entertainment and socio-political discussions within Ghana’s digital space. With a diverse background in media, digital journalism, and business, Solomon Ogyem is dedicated to telling impactful African stories, empowering youth through media, and building cross-continental media partnerships.

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