Al-Shabaab bases raided in Somalia and Kenya

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Al-Shabaab militants may have suffered significant losses on Tuesday after three of their main bases were raided in Middle Jubba, ahead of planned military operations within Jubaland and Southwest states, where the criminals have been hiding for a long time.

The militants are said to lose critical infrastructure and manpower, following the raids at Jilib, Bu'ale, and Saakow town, which are some of the strongest bases of the militants in the country. Jilib town is the official headquarters of the militants

Without giving the number of casualties, state media revealed that the Somali National Army [SNA] was assisted by members of the international community to carry out the raid. The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia [ATMIS] and the US Africa Command have been assisting local forces.

"With the support of International Security Partners, the National Armed Forces carried out planned operations targeting Alshabab terrorists’ bases in Bu'ale, Sakow, and Jilib," read the statement by the state media, while confirming the Tuesday morning raid in the region.

"Careful intelligence analysis revealed the bases, including a weaponry depot. Initial reports indicate that the terrorists suffered a huge loss," the statement further clarified, in the latest onslaught, which could have as well left hundreds of militants dead in the country.

The three towns are notorious strongholds of the Al-Shabaab militants and locals are deprived of their rights with others subjected to punitive taxation. The Somali National Army [SNA] and members of the international community have been fighting hard to dislodge the militants.

Across borders in Kenya, the multi-agency security team raided the Al-Shabaab logistical base in Amuma in Garissa County and recovered foodstuffs like maize flour, sugar, and water. The logistics served Al-Shabaab explosive experts newly deployed from Somalia to attack security personnel in the region using IEDs.

The Al-Shabaab militants are fighting to topple the fragile UN-backed federal government of Somalia, which has declared total war against the militants. In recent months, Al-Shabaab militants have been losing strategic towns following the onslaught by the Somali National Army and members of the international community.

GAROWE ONLINE