Somalia: Boost for SNA as over 100 Al-Shabaab militants die in latest operation

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The fight against Al-Shabaab is getting into an important stage following the latest operation within Middle Shabelle and Hiiraan regions where the national army with help of foreign troops and local militia have been camping to instill stability and order after years of mischief by the militants.

State media reports that over 100 militants were killed in the latest operation following an operation carried out by the members of the Somali National Army [SNA], African Union Transition Mission in Somalia [ATMIS], the US Africa Command, and the local militia, who have been instrumental in the war.

Deputy Information Minister Abdirahman Al Adala said the militants were killed during an operation conducted between Middle Shabelle and Hiiraan regions in El-Dhere area where the militants have been synonymous for several months now. This is the highest single loss inflicted on the militants in as many months.

"Over 100 Khawarij terrorists including 10 ringleaders killed in planned op conducted by the national army, locals, and international security partners in El-Dhere area at the border of Middle Shabelle and Hiran regions," said Deputy Information Minister Abdirahman Al Adala at the press.

The crackdown has yielded a lot of success in recent weeks with Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre revealing that over 500 militants have been killed since the operation to weed out the militants was hatched about three months ago across the country.

News about the death of Al-Shabaab militants came as the group published purported pictures of vehicles and weapons that it claims its fighters seized following Friday’s attack on Qaayib village in the central Galmudug State.

Despite the purported achievement by the Al-Shabaab, regional officials and locals reported that government forces remain in control of Qaayib. The town has been the center of heavy fighting between the militants and members of the Somali National Army for the last month according to officials.

Elsewhere, with respect to the recent inter-clan fighting, one of the main clans in Middle Shabelle agrees to support peace after a visit by Hassan Mohamud. Adale Declaration calls for support for the fight against “khawarij,” stabilizing recovered areas, removing roadblocks, avoid “fitnah” by “khawarij.”

The government is determined to completely eliminate Al-Shabaab militants with assistance from the local militia. The government has also given a stern warning to local business owners over alleged support given to the militants either willingly or through extortion.

GAROWE ONLINE