Al-Shabaab militants killed in Somalia in botched attack

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Somalia-based Al-Shabaab militants suffered immense losses on Sunday following an intense gunfight against the Somali National Army [SNA] in Central Somalia, something which left dozens of them dead according to reports from the army officials who spoke to the media after the incident.

Gen. Ahmed Tredishe, who is the commander of 27th Division, said that at least 24 militants were killed during the fight which lasted for several hours, adding that the militants were ambushed by the security forces in Hiran region within HirShabelle state, which has been struggling with the insurgency.

The bloody fight took place near Bulo-burde in Hiran, central Somalia, and several militants are said to have suffered injuries after the gunfight. The SNA soldiers arrested dozens of militants who will now be charged at the military court according to the army officer.

He said that the military will continue carrying out operations within the region until the militants are degraded or otherwise defeated by security forces. The army boss asked residents to cooperate with military officials as a strategy to win against the Al-Shabaab in Somalia.

"We can tell that at least 24 militants were killed and several others injured. The SNA troops raided their hideout and a heavy gunfight ensued. We can also report several other injuries on their side," said the officer, adding that "no SNA soldier was injured during the encounter."

He added: "For us to win this war, we need close support from members of the public. This is the only way we can build a strong nation that is full of peace and harmony. The residents have a role to play in helping us to deal with violent extremism."

The success comes days after the Al-Shabaab militants managed to kill over 18 soldiers in Afgoye 30 kilometers West of Mogadishu last week. This is the heaviest casualty against the SNA troops in as many months within the Horn of Africa nation, which is struggling with insecurity for several months now.

During the encounter, authorities said, at least 61 Al-Shabaab militants were killed despite the fact that the group, later on, overpowered the military which retreated. Security forces have been deployed to the region to pursue the militants according to official reports from the Federal Government of Somalia.

Al-Shabaab is fighting to overthrow the fragile UN-backed Somalia administration and are keen to impose Sharia law in the country. The group controls large swathes of rural central and southern Somalia according to the United Nations Security Council [UNSC].

Currently, there are close to 7,000 active Al-Shabaab fighters in Somalia but persistent operations waged by SNA, AU forces, and the US Africa Command, have significantly degraded the group. It is projected that by next year, the group would have ceded large territories in the country.

GAROWE ONLINE