Somali army kills extremists during clashes with Al-Shabaab

MOGADISHU, Somalia - At least 7 militants have been killed and dozens wounded during army operations against Al-Shabaab in the Gedo region on Friday amid rising tensions in the areas near the Kenyan border.

Speaking to Garowe Online, the Somali army's operations commander in the province Col Aden Abdi said the assault was launched following a tip-off about the presence of militants on the outskirts of Garbaharey.

"Our gallant soldiers have successfully neutralized 7 terrorists in the operation and now are advancing towards the areas still under Al-Shabaab control," said Aden. 

The latest army operation comes as the Somali government is deploying additional troops to the region to consolidate its power following reports of a planned attack by Jubaland forces along with their main ally, the Kenyan military. 

Jubaland security minister Abdirashid Janan was reported to have been metabolizing forces in the Somalia-Kenyan border areas, in an attempt to recapture towns in the Gedo region from SNA.

The Somali government has last week accused Kenya of arming militia in Mandera town in preparation for an attack against Beled-Hawo district, where Somali military troops are stationed. However, Nairobi has denied the accusations as baseless. 

GAROWE ONLINE