Somali troops awarded for heroism in battlefield victory against Al-Shabaab
General Sahal praised the “heroic sacrifice” of his forces, adding that the success in El-deer was largely achieved thanks to the backing of the residents.
The Government of Somalia has honoured its troops for their bravery in one of the fiercest battles against Al-Shabab in recent months, awarding medals and certificates to soldiers credited with behind-the-scenes battles that have dealt a major blow to the terrorist group in the town of El-deer in the Galguduud region.
The troops were honoured by the Commander of the Somali National Army’s Ground Forces, Major General Sahal Abdullahi Omar, during a ceremony in the Ceel-Dheer district, which included prayers for the fallen troops martyred in the battle, words of encouragement, and the presentation of awards.
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General Sahal emphasised that this recognition reflects the nation’s gratitude for the courage and sacrifice demonstrated by the Somali National Armed Forces in defeating Al-Shabaab, a statement from the MoD said.
The soldiers are said to have played a decisive role in the operation that lasted nearly seven hours on Friday last week.
General Sahal praised the “heroic sacrifice” of his forces, adding that the success in El-deer was largely achieved thanks to the backing of the residents.
The feted soldiers are reported to have repulsed hundreds of Al-Shabab terrorists who had mounted a large-scale assault.
On Tuesday, TRT news agency reported that Somali Defense Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi had confirmed that more than 60 Al-Shabab terrorists were killed and over 50 were wounded in the battle.
“Several terrorists, including senior field commanders, were captured alive, alongside caches of weapons and ammunition. Prisoners, weapons, and ammunition were later paraded in El-deer,” the news agency said in its report.
Earlier today, the Ministry of Defense in Mogadishu further announced that a planned operation carried out in Awdheegle district, Lower Shebelle region, in the morning took out seven al-Shabaab militants and left several others injured.
“During the operation, seven al-Shabaab militants were killed and several others wounded while engaged in activities aimed at terrorising local farmers. The terrorists had deliberately diverted water into farmlands in an attempt to destroy crops and cripple the livelihoods and commerce of the community,” the statement by the MoD said, and expressed the federal army’s resolve to defend the population, their livelihoods, and ensure total defeat of terrorist groups for peace and prosperity to prevail across the nation.
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