Somalia fetes heroic soldiers, hails battlefield victory over Al-Shabab

Somalia has honoured its soldiers for showing acts of bravery during one of the fiercest battles against Al-Shabab terrorists in recent months.

The awards included honours and special awards to soldiers who repulsed hundreds of Al-Shabab terrorists who last week mounted a large-scale assault in El-deer, in Galguduud region.

The fighting saw the soldiers destroy two car bombs before they could be detonated. Air and ground support, together with the mobilisation of local fighters, saw the army repel the assault.

At a ceremony in the frontline town, the Commander of the Army’s Infantry Division, Major General Sahal Abdullahi Omar, praised the “heroic sacrifice” of his forces.

Seven-hour battle

Prayers were also held for martyred troops killed in the seven-hour battle last Friday.

General Sahal stressed that the success in El-deer was achieved largely thanks to the backing of local residents.

“The victory against Al-Shabab came through the support of the local people,” he said, describing the partnership between civilians and soldiers as the key to defeating the terrorists.