Kenyan among dozens Al-Shabaab terrorists killed in Somalia

FILE - US forces host a range day with the Danab Brigade in Somalia, May 9, 2021.

MOGADISHU, Somalia - A Kenyan was among Al-Shabaab militants killed in the most recent operations against the group in Somalia, state media reported, while confirming that Friday's airstrike left over 45 fighters dead, with the international partners also participating in the June 16th raid.

While terming the operation the "most significant victory" for Somali National Army [SNA] and international partners, a senior army official said the airstrike also eliminated Aden Abdirahman Aden, a senior commander of the militants within the volatile Lower Jubba region.

Idris Abdirahim Nur, the Kenyan national, was the deputy to Aden Abdirahman Aden and is suspected to have either organized or participated in the recent attack on an Uganda People's Defense Forces [UPDF] military base in Bulo Marer. The attack left over 54 soldiers dead, authorities reported.

The operation targeted a meeting place of Al-Shabaab leaders in an area 14 km from Jamame district in LowerJubba region, state media reported. Intelligence sources indicate that the militants were preparing a raid on Barsanguni Forward Operating Base which is home to both SNA and regional troops.

"The successful disruption of this planned attack demonstrates the effectiveness of the ongoing efforts to combat Al-Shabaab and protect the people of Somalia," added a statement in reference to quotes from a senior military officer.

Cases of foreign nationals in Al-Shabaab are not unique since in the past, they have been traced and killed in the country. The group has also threatened further attacks on Kenya, following the attack by the Kenya Defense Forces [KDF] which targeted the militants in Saakow.

In a statement, al-Shabaab’s militia command wrote that it will “respond in an appropriate, swift, and decisive manner.” The group also claimed responsibility for the most recent attacks in Garissa, Mandera, Wajir, and Lamu counties, which left at least 12 people dead.

The United States Army has not yet confirmed the latest incident but the US Africa Command takes time before verifying and confirming the airstrike. Al-Shabaab is fighting to topple the fragile UN-backed federal government of Somalia but it is yet to make any meaningful strides.

GAROWE ONLINE