Somalia army ambushes Al-Shabaab militants, destroys bases

Photo: NBC News

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The Somali National Army [SNA] with the help of international partners made tremendous milestones on Friday, the Ministry of Defence reported, following a successful operation that targeted Al-Shabaab militants in Middle Shabelle and Galgadud areas, where the militants were hoped up.

State media reports that the army, with assistance from the US Africa Command and the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia [ATMIS], managed to ambush a convoy of seven Al-Shabaab vehicles, in what could have left hundreds of the militants dead. This was a clear-up operation in the area.

The ambush, state media reports, destroyed 2 BGs, a UD, and four pickup trucks which were being used by the militants to relocate to unknown destinations. The nearby base being used by the militants was destroyed instantly after bombing by security forces.

"A convoy of seven vehicles carrying Al-Shabaab terrorists, including 2 BGs, 1 UD, and 4 pickup trucks known for Abdibile, was attacked and destroyed. Their base was also bombed. There are many casualties among the group," state media clarified just after the major achievement.

"This follows a major operation launched by the Somali National Army against the militants in Galgaduud on Friday morning," read the text from the government, which was approved by Defense Minister Abdikadir Mohamed Nur, who has been visiting the troops in the Frontline.

Mohamed Nur insisted that the government of Somalia will heighten campaigns against Al-Shabaab militants whom he accused of destabilization the country. The militants lost significant territories in the recently concluded first phase of operations against them by the national army and international partners.

The Ministry of Information announced that over 100 militants were killed in the ambush but the data could not be verified independently by Garowe Online. The Al-Shabaab militants are yet to also comment on the tragedy, which could be worse in as many months, even as they lose most frontlines.

Early this week, the militants attacked a military training base in Mogadishu, killing 25 soldiers. The government of Somalia pledged a "quick response" to the tragedy, which was widely condemned by both local and national leaders, with international partners pledging vigilance in the operations.

GAROWE ONLINE