Somalia: Al-Shabaab militants killed in SNA operations

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Al-Shabaab militants have suffered immense losses following Wednesday's operations by the Somali National Army [SNA], which left close to 30 militants dead and several others seriously wounded according to government officials.

The operation at El-Garas ones just days after the militants retook the strategic town, forcing the government forces to tactically retreat. But re-energized soldiers made a grand entry to the town, opening fire at the militants who were briefly in control, inflicting massive losses in the process.

The town is found in Galgaduud, a strategic region within Galmadug state, where President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud visited recently to give soldiers in the frontline morale. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud returned to the region on Wednesday to make follow-ups.

According to the Ministry of Information of the Republic of Somalia, the operations targeted al-Shabab's hideout areas where the fighters were regrouping and destroyed explosives and military consignments that were being assembled.

"The joint forces have gained military success during operations and recovered several areas under al-Shabab in Galmudug State. The Somali government thanks the courageous people for supporting the army to root out the enemy," the ministry said.

The Somali National Army with assistance from the US Africa Command and the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia [ATMIS] has been conducting joint operations against Al-Shabaab in central and southern regions in Somalia, with significant progress made in the process.

The government says over 120 militants have been killed in the last week within Somalia, the highest figure in as many months. Al-Shabaab militants have been fighting to topple the fragile UN-backed federal government of Somalia, but support from the international community has put the group at bay for some time.

GAROWE ONLINE