Somali Forces Free Over 30 Hostages in Precision Raid on Al-Shabaab Camps  

AFGOYE, Somalia - The Somali National Army (SNA) rescued over 30 hostages from the Al-Shabaab fighters in the latest crackdown waged by the elite forces, who are coordinating operations in various frontlines across Somalia.

According to the Ministry of Defence, the operation was activated in Buula Madiina, a rural region within Afgoye in Lower Shabelle. The civilians were held in makeshift detention camps, and among those freed were two women.

During the operation, three Alshabaab operatives were killed while guarding the compound. They also destroyed a small jail and an informal court that the group used to prosecute and intimidate residents.

However, the rescue teams did not immediately release images or detailed information about the freed hostages to affirm the gains made by the security forces in the fight against Al-Shabaab militants.

“The operation restored the freedom of 30 citizens who terrorists had been holding,” the ministry said. Officials added that staff are screening those rescued and giving them medical checks.

Authorities did not say how long the group spent in captivity or whether anyone was hurt. So far, the Al-Shabaab militants have neither disputed nor accepted the reports by the Ministry of Defence. The operation was planned carefully to avoid casualties.

The Al-Shabaab militants use hostages to solicit funds from the victims through ransom, but such methods have significantly reduced in the recent past. The government of Somalia is working closely with other partners to eliminate the group.

GAROWE ONLINE