Somali Army Kills Two Senior Al-Shabaab Leaders in Operation 

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Two senior Al-Shabaab commanders were killed by the Somali National Army (SNA), highlighting the solid commitment of the forces to defend the country from violent extremism groups, which have derailed service delivery in the Horn of Africa nation.

The operation at Lower Shabelle is part of the ongoing offensive against the group, showcasing the defence capabilities of the Somali military, which is transforming following years of turmoil in the country without proper rebranding and capacity building.

Military officials said the forces targeted the Al-Shabaab base in Muduulow area, killing Hassan Biid and Abdullahi Garweyne, who are accused of terrorizing local communities besides asking for Zakat.

The crackdown was carried out by the 26th battalion of the 6th Brigade under the 60th Division, military officials further stated, noting that the hideouts of the militants were destroyed following the precision strike by the military.

“The fight against Al-Shabaab will continue until the region is fully cleared,” the military said in a statement.

The government forces have been carrying out operations to eliminate the Al-Shabaab militants who have been entrenched in parts of Lower Shabelle, launching frequent attacks on government officials and civilians.

The elimination of the militants was followed by cabinet reshuffle initiated by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre who transferred outspoken Foreign Affairs minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi to the Defence docket, replacing Jibril Abdirashid Haji.

Abdisalam Abdi Ali, who has been serving as the second deputy PM for just six months, becomes the new foreign minister. Jibril Abdirashid Haji shall replace him as the Deputy Prime Minister in what further reorganises critical dockets which my hinder military operations.

GAROWE ONLINE