Somalia: Fresh operation leaves over 50 Al-Shabaab militants dead

FILE: A soldier from the Somali National Army stands watch as missiles are fired on al Shabaab locations

MOGADISHU, Somalia - At least 50 Al-Shabaab militants have been killed in a fresh operation at Weelmarow village in Lower Jubba, state media reported, in the latest crackdown targeting the group which has been wreaking havoc in the country for the last 16 years.

The operation, officials said, targeted Weelmarow village which is about 45 kilometers northeast of Afmadow town which falls under Sector II of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia [ATMIS]. Sector II is manned by Kenya Defence Forces [KDF] which has been operating in Lower Jubba.

During the raid, state media reported, 50 Al-Shabaab militants were killed with dozens of others arrested by the Danab Special Forces. Furthermore, the Somali National Army [SNA] commandos with the assistance of Jubaland regional forces seized vehicles and weapons during the operation.

"Over 50 Al-Shabaab militants, including leaders, were eliminated in the LowerJubba region during a joint operation by security forces and local forces. Among those killed was the head of finance in the WeelMaarow area, targeted in a planned operation by Danab commandos and residents in Weel-Maarow village, approximately 45km northeast of Afmadow town," state media reported.

"The army also captured several militiamen, weapons, and vehicles. The State Media confirmed the operation and received graphic photos," the statement read, in what is a morale uplift ahead of the second phase of operations against Al-Shabaab scheduled for the coming days according to Mogadishu.

The operation comes a few days after the international community led by the US Africa Command conducted three airstrikes in the area, killing at least 10 Al-Shabaab militants. Also, the Somali National Army had previously announced of elimination of 40 Al-Shabaab militants in the vicinity of the village.

Al-Shabaab militants are increasingly getting pressure from members of the international community and local troops, forcing a number of them to down their tools and defect to the government. The Al-Shabaab group is fighting to topple the fragile UN-backed federal government of Somalia.

Besides military operations, Somalia is also targeting Al-Shabaab financiers and sympathizers across the country on top of blocking taxation channels by the group. Earlier this year, the government successfully closedown at least 250 bank accounts associated with Al-Shabaab financiers and 70 mobile money transfer services.

GAROWE ONLINE