Al-Shabaab activities disrupted in Somalia - defense ministry

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The Somali National Army [SNA] elite troops have disrupted several Al-Shabaab activities in Somalia, officials said, with the government now looking for a new strategy to defeat the militants, who have been fighting to topple the constitutionally recognized administration.

The Danab Special Forces, the Ministry of Defence said, has disrupted the group's criminal activities across the country, with the army now gearing towards having a final assault on the extremists who have been wreaking havoc in the country for the last 16 years without stopping.

According to the ministry, the military targeted different locations in the Middle Shabelle region in Central Somalia where Al-Shabaab has been trying to regain ground after losing in the operations conducted a few months ago. The Al-Shabaab lost over 3,000 fighters at that time, officials said.

"Somali commando forces disrupted Al-Shabaab activities in several areas within the Galcad district of Galgaduud, including El Hareeri, Baragta Sheikh Amir, and the forest land extending towards Cowsweyne. Mines, intended to harm civilians were eradicated, along with Al-Shabaab hideouts," read a statement from the ministry.

In the coming weeks, the military is set to camp in Jubaland and Southwest states, the home to Al-Shabaab militants, who even own headquarters in Jilib town within Middle Jubba. The operation will see several soldiers serving in the army, the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia [ATMIS] and US Africa Command, participate.

Both ATMIS and US Africa Command together with locals have been helping the national army to regain control besides liberating several strategic towns across the country. The Al-Shabaab group has often denied claims that they have lost significantly across Somalia.

On Monday, the group targeted the 14th October army training center in Mogadishu, killing over 25 soldiers, the government announced, adding that several troops were injured in the suicide bombing. Members of the international community have reiterated their commitment to assist Somalia in defeating violent extremism.

GAROWE ONLINE