Amid Eid celebrations, SNA destroys Al-shabaab extortion centers

MOGADISHU- Even in the middle of ongoing Ramadan which is set to end on Monday [today], the Somali National Army [SNA] intensified crackdown against Al-shabaab militants along the southern stretch of the country, where there group has almost absolute control

Reports from the SNA indicate that over the weekend, the elite Danab Special Forces targeted parts of Lower Shabelle region in Southwest state where they activated a series of patrols in pursuit of the militants, who control large swathes of rural central and southern Somalia.

The US-trained commandos raided homes in Leego and Jameo neighborhood where it is believed Al-shabaab militants have been hiding. The region has largely been affected by the drought conditions and the militants have often been sighted by locals. 

Mohamed Abdikadir, the commander of 4th Brigade which is in charge of 16th Battalion, said a number of Al-shabaab extortion centers were completely destroyed upon leads from civilians who have borne the brunt of Al-shabaab terrorists. 

According to him, the Danab Special Forces will continue the operation until the military cleared it of the militant insurgency group. The unit is trained by the US Africa Command and has been instrumental in thwarting Al-shabaab activities in the country..

But the military did not deliver disclose whether the military managed to arrest or kill Al-shabaab militants within the vicinity of the region. The unit usually trains on executing such operations in Rural and urban centers besides promoting safety of civilians.

The militants had heightened their activities throughout the electioneering period, even targeting senior politicians within the country. Former MP Amina Mohamed Abdi was one of the victims of the militants, who have often been accused of working with government mercenaries.

Extortion has been the main source of income for Al-shabaab militants, who often target big businesses within rural and urban Somalia. A report complied by Hiiran Institute, a Mogadishu-based Think Tank, recently revealed that the militants run a budget of up to $100 million annually. 

Of this budget, sources said, at least $24 million goes to purchase of weapons mainly from uncontrolled markets in Yemen and other "cooperating" countries. The Al-shabaab group has been a main cause of havoc within the Horn of Africa nation. 

GAROWE ONLINE