Somali Army Kills Senior Al-Shabaab Leader Amid Fighting

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The Somali National Army (SNA) killed a senior Al-Shabaab militant in a recent airstrike, state media reports, in what could significantly boost the fight against the group, which is fighting to topple the fragile UN-backed federal government of Somalia.

The airstrike, conducted in El-Ba’ad within Middle Shabelle, killed the operative, identified as Yusuf Dhegnaas, who was pivotal in coordinating the militants' operations within the region. The Middle Shabelle frontline has been a major battlefield in recent times.

The strike, conducted by Somali forces with international support, is part of efforts to cripple the Al-Qaeda's East Africa branch, the state media noted. Yusuf's death is a major gain on the battlefield, given his deep influence within Hirshabelle State.

US army has been coordinating the airstrikes with the help of the Danab Special Forces, who are trained by Americans. The aerial surveillance by the Americans helped the country to mitigate challenges posed by the Al-Shabaab militants.

Over the weekend, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud reiterated his commitment to providing logistical support to the Somali National Army in the fight against Al-Shabaab, adding that his government is committed to delivering the pledge.

“We are committed to unite in the fight against Al-Shabaab terrorists and to uproot them from our country,” President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said in his address.

Hassan Sheikh had also renewed amnesty offered to al-Shabaab militants, saying there is still an opportunity for them to leave the group, designated by both Somalia and the US as a terrorist organisation.

"You will not be humiliated, you will not be jailed…those who defected live with dignity, they are members of the security forces, they are members of the government, they are in the business sector," Hassan Sheikh said.

He also played down recent security alerts of potential attacks in Somalia including Mogadishu. The Al-Shabaab group has however lost significantly in several frontlines following the military operations across the country.

GAROWE ONLINE