Somalia forces and partners target Al-Shabaab in latest airstrikes

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The Somali National Army (SNA) and the US Africa Command team conducted a series of airstrikes on Saturday, officials said, targeting Al-Shabaab militants in central regions where the group has been wreaking havoc on innocent civilians.

The operation, officials noted, targeted the Ali Hayle neighborhood along the border of the Middle Shabelle and Galgaduud regions. For the last 15 months, Somali forces and their foreign counterparts have been conducting a series of operations in central Somalia.

According to the state media, the airstrikes on Saturday were the third within a short period, signaling commitment by the soldiers to stabilize Somalia, a country that has been in shambles for the last three decades after the eruption of the civil war.

"Somali security forces and International allies carry out a planned operation in Ali Hayle, near the border of Middle Shabelle and Galgaduud regions. A vehicle belonging to the terrorist militia was destroyed in the operation on Saturday evening," state media reports.

"This is the third successful strike in the last few hours, following two other operations in Buq-aqable and Galhareeri," the state-owned media added in the report, noting successes achieved within a short period in the region.

Al-Shabaab militants have been losing ground in central Somalia and southern parts according to official government reports, with the second phase of operations against the militants set to kick off in Jubaland and Southwest states of the country.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud ordered total war against the militants adding that by the end of December 2024, the militants would have lost significant ground across the country. International partners have closely worked with the national army to reclaim some of the strategic regions across the country.

GAROWE ONLINE