Somalia: 11 militants killed as Puntland commences clean-up operation

GAROWE, Somalia-Puntland troops have clashed with Al Shabaab fighters in deadly battle in the village of Suuj as forces are closing in on militant positions in Nugal region village of Godobjiran, Garowe Online reports.

On Wednesday morning, Puntland Defence Forces (PDFs) in armored vehicles raided militants regrouping in hideouts near Garmaal coastal village, 80km off former pirate hub, Eyl according to sources within the army.

Puntland government officials have told that eleven Al Shabaab fighters were killed in the ongoing clean-up operations in areas along the Indian Ocean.

Speaking at a press conference in the State capital of Garowe, Information Minister Mohamud Hassan Soadde has indicated that they have gained upper hand in the ongoing fighting.

Puntland mobilized army units toward Nugal and Mudug coastal villages following Al Shabaab’s seizure of Garacad and Garmaal.

Meanwhile, Puntland Information Minister, pledged a safe passage for militants, saying they should hand themselves in.

Continuing, he predicted that the anti-Al Shabaab operations could be concluded in 72 hours.

On Tuesday, senior Al Shabaab official identified as Saacid Karate delivered sermons in Garmaal, and pleaded with villagers—mainly fishermen—to cooperate in peaceful reciprocity.

Two Al Shabaab batches have so far reached Puntland, with another band advancing on Godobjiran where government troops are now stationed for potential Al Shabaab attack.

Puntland leveled a scathing criticism of UN-backed National Government for alleged role in Al Shabaab thrust, allegations denied by Interior Minister Abdirahman Odawa on VOA Somali Service.

GAROWEONLINE