Somalia Army Chief confirms surprise raid on militants

MOGADISHU, Somalia-Somali Army Chief General Mohamed Adan Ahmed has confirmed that Danab Special Forces carried out a raid on militant hideout in Lower Shabelle region of southern Somalia late on Monday, Garowe Online reports. 

Al Shabaab spokesman Tuesday admitted that foreign troops confirmed to be U.S. commandos disembarked in Tora Tora for planned assault.

 “Somali Special Forces, Danab conducted a planned dawn operation in hideout into which Al Shabaab stashed the so-called Zakawat collections,” Somalia’s top general said in a statement from his office.  

Moreover, army added that the chief aim of the raid was to dismantle the hideout, which was successful.  

A spokesman for the militants was quoted as saying that an estimated 10 commando troopers in attack helicopters have been repelled in the overnight assault.   

He boasted that they seized ammunitions from the U.S. soldiers, and forced them back to their original base.

 U.S. backs national government in Mogadishu in the fight against militants in central and southern Somalia.

GAROWEONLINE