Somali Government Forces recapture strategic town

Mogadishu, 17 October 2010) Somali Government forces have on Sunday morning recaptured Beled-Hawa district, in south western Gedo region of Somalia bordering Kenya. The militias were driven out of town after conceding defeat in the outskirts of the district forcing the extremists to flee the town. At least 11 militias from al-Shabab were killed and scores wounded. One government soldier was killed and two were wounded.
As soon as government forces reached Beled-Hawo, the Somali flag was hoisted on all government buildings and removed the black flag of the militia.
The Government forces have moved towards Luq town, about 60 kilometers from Beled-Hawo. With this victory, Government forces appear to be consolidating their presence in the strategic Gedo region.
In another front, Somali Government forces have also advanced towards Rabdhure district, in Bakol as Somali Government forces are expected to take control soon. Rabdhuure is key district in Bakol Region bordering Ethiopia.
Somali Government forces have been preparing in Gedo, Bakol and Hiran regions to bring peace and stability to these regions as part of government plans to bring rule of law to all over Somalia.
The Somali forces were cheerfully welcomed by the residents of Beled-Hawa as people were fed up with the rule of al-Shabab.
Minister of Information, Abdirahman Omar Osman (Eng. Yarisow), said:
"Today's victory is a gain for Somalis, Somali flag and freedom. Government forces will continue their struggle until they liberate the entire from the brutal rule of al-Shabab."
END
Ministry of Information, Mogadishu