Somalia army eliminates more Al-Shabaab militants in operation

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The Somali National Army [SNA] has intensified crackdowns against Al-Shabaab militants in central and southern regions, authorities confirmed, with the country striving to restore normalcy after decades of instability and chaos.

The information ministry said at least 30 Al-Shabaab militants were killed in the latest operations in Galgaduud, within Galmadug state, and subsequently weapons were seized by the national army which has been pursuing the militants.

The operation, Adala told the state media, was activated in El-Qurac along the border of Galgaduud and Middle Shabelle regions. The latest confrontation comes amid ongoing operations across the country with the assistance of the international community.

"Over 30 Al-Shabaab terrorists eliminated in National Army’s planned operation in El-Qurac, bordering Galgudud and Middle Shabelle regions. Weapons and equipment seized, terrorist base destroyed. The ongoing pursuit of fighters," the ministry added.

The operation is one of the many conducted across the country with the Somali National Army [SNA] taking the lead. The national army is also getting support from international partners among them the US Africa Command and the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia [ATMIS].

For the last nine months, Somalia has activated a crackdown against Al-Shabaab militants, downing at least 3,000 of them during the first phase which covered HirShabelle and Galmadug states. The second phase of operations against Al-Shabaab will be launched in Jubaland and Southwest states.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud visited Jowhar, the regional administrative capital of HirShabelle on Tuesday, reiterating his commitment to defeat Al-Shabaab. The president has also called for support from international partners mainly Kenya, Djibouti, and Ethiopia.

The United States, which had withdrawn its army from Somalia a few months ago, has since reinstated them following increased Al-Shabaab activities. Somalia has been fighting for stability for the last three decades but there is the glare of hope that violent extremism will be contained.

GAROWE ONLINE