An uptick in Al Shabaab attacks in the relatively peaceful Galgaduud region of central Somalia, has left many locals uneasy.
Over the past several weeks Al Aqaeda linked Militants have layed siege to the airport in the provincial capital of Dhuusamareeb on numerous occasions, putting the bustling city to a stand still.
The militants have overrran and briefly occupied several towns and villages during the month of September alone.
As of September 30th, the insurgents seized the strategic towns of Tulobarwaqo and Sinka Dheer, situated outside the provincial capital of Dhuusamareeb.
The Militants than cut off the main road linking Dhuusamareeb to the nearby city of Guriceel, which put a complete halt on movement between both cities.
Local residents in the city of Dhuusamareeb that spoke with Halgan Media reveal there was a heightened level of security in the city last night, once it was revealed Al Shabaab fighters where spotted 20 kilometers outside the city.
The Somali government and the semi autonomous Galmudug regional state have not addressed the recent surge in Al Shabaab attacks.
The Galgaduud region of Somalia for the most part over the past several years was under the rule of Ahlu Suuna Wal Jama (ASWJ), a Sufi paramilitary militia but all that changed earlier this year, after the ouster of ASWJ by government forces.
The political and internal infighting in central Somalia, is believed to have contributed to the power vaccum that has paved the way for the irregular attacks in the area carried out by Al Aqaeda affiliated Militants from Al Shabaab.
Halgan Media.
