Bakool (Sunatimes) The transitional federal government of Somalia has rubbished the recent assertion by Al-Shabaab rebel leaders in Hudur district claiming that government troops in the region have retreated from their bases in Yed and El-barde.

Government’s area district commissioner Mohamed Moaalim termed the rebel claim as baseless and unwanted propaganda aimed at damaging the morals of their troops in the region.

The DC said government troops in the area will soon embark on operations aimed at flushing out rebel fighters in Bay and Bakol regions. He said they will launch fresh offensives against rebel positions in these two regions.

In an exclusive interview with Bar-kulan, Moaalim said their forces have already tighten security in Yed and El-barde and accused the militia group for arbitrary arrests against civilians who they suspect supporting the Somali government.

Just recently, Al-Shabaab imposed a nighttime curfew on the entire Hudur town following government’s military maneuvers in Yed and El-barde areas.

The rebel group urged locals to remain indoors from 6pm till morning, threatening to deal with anybody found loitering during the night.

The curfew comes as government troops in Yed and El-barde prepare for a major offensive against rebel held areas in the region, prompting heightened trepidation among rebel fighters in the area.

Reports say government troops who were recently dispatched from a training camp in Ethiopia are building up their troops in the area in efforts to flush out rebel fighters from the area.

By Mohamed Abukar