Senior Al-shabaab leader killed in Somalia operation

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Security forces in Somalia confirmed the death of a senior Al-Shabaab leader along with 50 fighters, in an operation spearheaded by local forces with support from international partners in the fragile Middle Shabelle.

Through a press release, security forces in central regions are said to have conducted an airstrike within Damasha and Shabeelow areas, where the leader of Al-Shabaab's combat vehicles was also killed.

According to reports, the leader, identified as Mansoor Tima-Weeyne, who masterminded the preparation and use of combat vehicles for terrorist attacks, was the leader killed in the airstrike. The airstrikes are part of aerial surveillance operations conducted by the international partners.

Further, reports indicate that Tima-Weeyne had recently arrived from the Bulo Fulay area and was driving a repaired vehicle used by the group for its attacks. His death was described as a major 'win' in the fight against violent extremism in Somalia.

The press statement, in addition, states that the three combat vehicles equipped with heavy machine guns were also destroyed. More than 50 militants were killed, further reducing the capacity of the group to respond to military operations.

While describing the operation as a 'blow' to the group, the military command said the airstrike was carefully planned to avoid any damage to civilians. Both the Somali National Army and the international partners are undertaking operations in central and southern regions.

On Tuesday, the militants targeted the Qahira Hotel on the outskirts of Beledweyne, leaving at least 11 people including traditional elders dead. The siege was ended later on Wednesday following assistance from the Djibouti Defence Forces serving in the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia.

GAROWE ONLINE