Somali forces kill seven Al-Shabaab militants in operation

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Somali forces killed seven al-Shabaab members in the latest crackdown against the group, in an operation that saw active involvement of the international partners within Kuukaayle in Mahas District of Hiiraan region around central Somalia.

According to reports, the operation was launched following reports from locals who informed security forces about the group’s activities in the region. The US Africa Command reportedly participated in neutralizing the militants.

The mission unfolded in three coordinated phases targeting Al-Shabaab hideouts and logistical sites, officials said, while enlisting locals for swift cooperation with security agencies in combating terrorism.

The first strike saw the security team raid the hideouts of the militants, killing three of them instantly, while the second operation led to the elimination of four more Al-Shabaab fighters in one of the most successful operations within the region.

The final phase destroyed vehicles and tents that the group had prepared for planned attacks against civilians and security forces, officials added. They described the operation as successful while noting that those killed were responsible for attacks in Hiiraan.

“Security forces remain committed to pursuing Al-Shabaab wherever they operate and to preventing attacks against Somali citizens,” the statement read.

This comes hours after Jubaland leader Ahmed Madobe dismissed the capabilities of the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) to combat crimes in the country, noting their inferior technological advancement.

Al-Shabaab militants are fighting to topple the fragile UN-backed federal government of Somalia, which controls some parts of Mogadishu. The government is at loggerheads with a number of federal states, making it difficult to control the country.

GAROWE ONLINE