MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – A barrage of mortar shells fired by Ahlu Sunnah fighters struck the positions of Somalia’s army and Galmudug forces on the outskirts of the town of Guriel in Galgadud region.
It came days after the army and Galmudug forces surrounded the town, weeks after the Sufi group had taken its control, citing government’s failure to defeat Al-Shabaab for its resurgence.
Regional information minister said on Thursday an offensive against the group was looming after mediation efforts failed, but pointed out that the regional administration will try that the operation is executed with minimum civilian casualties.
A number of mortar bombs fired from Guriel hit positions of the allied forces on the outskirts of the town on Friday, though casualties have not been immediately known.
Group’s leadership have not immediately commented on the motive of the attack, which has come a day after it warned troops not to participate in the planned offensive.
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