Somalia: Al-Shabaab suffers fresh losses in SNA operations
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Staff Reporter Garowe Online
- Posted On 26-08-2023, 03:52PM
MOGADISHU, Somalia - At least 27 Al-Shabaab members were killed in most recent operations by the Somali National Army [SNA], just a few moments before the military embarks on countrywide operations against the militants, who have been wreaking havoc in the Horn of Africa nation.
Military officials confirmed the operation at Awdheele District within Lower Shabelle, adding that the crackdown left the militants dead and several others critically injured. The militants have been attacking the district regularly but lost it recently to the national army.
According to reports, the militants were gathering in a local farm when the military unleashed on them, and are said to have been preparing to attack sections of the locality. Their hideouts were completely destroyed during the operation, authorities said.
The Somali National Army commanders told the state media that the crackdown against the militants will be sustained for longer periods, with the ultimate goal being crushing Al-Shabaab completely. The militants are still dominant in rural central and southern Somalia.
According to the Somali National Army, the second phase of operations against Al-Shabaab will be launched in due course, with Jubaland and Southwest set to be concentration points. Military buildup has been sighted in central and southern Somalia, but the government has yet to authorize the commencement of the operations.
The second phase of operations would also see the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia [ATMIS] soldiers and those from the US Africa Command participating. There are reports that non-ATMIS troops from Kenya, Djibouti, and Ethiopia will take part but they are yet to report.
Sheikh Ali, the National Security Advisor to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, says the government of Somalia has trained enough security forces who take over security responsibilities from the ATMIS troops. Al-Shabaab militants are fighting to topple the fragile UN-backed federal government of Somalia.
GAROWE ONLINE
