Clan Fighters Strike Al-Shabaab in Central Somalia, Kill Militants and Seize Weapons

JOWHAR, Somalia - The al-Shabaab militants suffered a series of setbacks, Tuesday, following a security operation conducted by the Macawislay fighters in central regions, marking yet another significant gain against the group in recent weeks.

Security teams confirmed the death of several militants in central Somalia, with the Macawislay fighters seizing weapons during the planned operation in the dense forests of Ciid-Ciidka within Mahaday, Middle Shabelle.

One of the commanding officers, Osman Beerey, who was in charge of the raid, said multiple militants were killed in some of the hideouts targeted by the military backers. The Macawislay fighters work closely with the Somali National Army.

“We neutralized several militants and recovered a cache of weapons and military equipment,” Beerey said, while noting that the fighters remain committed to the course.

Some four bodies of the militants were retrieved by the militants and transported to the nearby Cali Fooldheere village. The militants retreated from the strategic points as they made their way into the vicinity of the village after heavy fighting.

Beerey said Macawiisley forces have since taken full control of the areas cleared during the operation, part of ongoing efforts to drive the al Qaeda-linked group out of rural strongholds in central Somalia.

The al-Shabaab militants have been trying to disrupt supply routes within the country while taking over strategic areas that had been recovered by the Somali National Army with assistance from the US Africa Command and the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) forces.

Although the group managed to take over some of the strategic areas, the military seems to be determined to edge them out, leading to intense fights in recent weeks. The government of Somalia is optimistic about regaining areas lost to the al-Shabaab.

GAROWE ONLINE