BELEDWEYNE (SD) – Somali government forces, with help from local militias, cleared Al Shabaab forces from several villages west of Beledweyne, the capital of Hiraan region.

The villages the forces liberated from Al-Shabaab are Luuq Jeelow, Baar, Wardhabeelle and Rangaabo, all west of Beledweyne.

The security minister of the Hirshabelle administration, Mohamed Kheyre, who is currently in the Hiran region, said that the army will not vacate areas where Al-Shabaab was removed.

The government forces and local militias have recently been conducting operations in Hiraan region and have taken over several regions from Al-Shabaab.

Al Shabaab leadership did not address the Somali National Army claims.

The senior leaders of Hirshabelle, including the Minister of Defence, the Commander of the National Army are in Hiraan region, there to encourage and support the army in their fight against Al-Shabaab.