The campaign started on 8 August, In response to the crackdown, al-Shabaab launched several bombings, targeting civilian centers such as the city of
Bosaso. The campaign ended when Puntland forces seized the villages of Dhagah Barur, Dhagahdheer, and Dindigle on 17 October. Dindigle was al-Shabaab's last stronghold in the region. It was believed that Atom had fled to
Burao, Somaliland’s second largest city. He denied reports that Atom was hiding in the area, but affirmed that he would arrest "him or anyone else who is a threat to regional security." On 7 June 2014, the
Ministry of Information announced that Atom had agreed to defect from Al-Shabaab. According to the Federal government ministry, Atom accused
Ahmed Godane, the leader of Al-Shabaab of having a foreign agenda. "I would like to declare that as of today I have decided to resolve my religious and political issues through peaceful means and understanding," Atom said, according to the government. On 1 October 2014, Puntland forces recaptured the last stronghold of Al-Shabaab in Galgala. According to Abdiweli Hirsi Abdille, the information minister of Puntland, troops had captured the Galgala region in an early morning offensive. The offensive lasted 2 hours, forcing insurgents to retreat. ==Aftermath==