Al-Shabaab suffers more defeats in Somalia war
MOGADISHU, Somalia - Al-Shabaab terrorists have suffered yet another huge blow in the latest operation conducted in central Somalia, state media reports, in yet another milestone registered over the last few months as the military heightens campaigns against the group.
The militants have been under immense pressure from joint operations spearheaded by the Somali National Army [SNA] with help from the US Africa Command, the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia [ATMIS] and local militia.
According to state media, at least 10 militants were killed on Monday in Ceel-Dheer town within the notorious Galgaduud, where the national army has been on a charm offensive against the Al-Qaeda-linked group, which has been dominant within the vicinity.
"In a joint operation, the Somali National Army and local forces inflicted heavy casualties on Al-Shabaab militants near Ceel-dheer town in Galgudud region on Monday," read a statement by the state media citing military sources in the operations.
"Local forces commander Abdulle Mohamud Barre said 10 militants, including two commanders, were killed in the operation," the statement further read, while emphasizing the country's commitment to eradicating Al-Shabaab militants.
The progress comes just a few days after the United Nations Security Council lifted the arms embargo imposed on Somalia, paving the way for a new dawn in the fight against Al-Shabaab. The decision was lauded by several senior government officials.
According to Hussein Sheikh Ali, the national security advisor, the removal of the restrictions will help the country procure sophisticated weapons that can help in fighting the Al-Shabaab and probably, give the national army a deserved victory within the next 12 months.
The government of Somalia is also using other channels to defeat Al-Shabaab, including tracing and blocking the group's sources of revenue. Over the last year, over 250 bank accounts and 70 mobile money transfer firms have been closed down over links to Al-Shabaab.
GAROWE ONLINE