Somalia military kills over 30 Al-Shabaab militants

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Over 30 Al-Shabaab militants were killed on Tuesday morning following an operation conducted by the Somali National Army [SNA] and local militia, state media reports, just days before the army embarks on the second phase of operations targeting the militants in different parts of Somalia.

According to the state media, the militants were killed in the Run-Nirgod district within Middle Shabelle where the group has suffered a series of defeats during the first phase of operations in the country. Local Ma'awisley militia also took part in the crackdown, state media added.

Of those killed, reports further indicate, were senior Al-Shabaab commanders whose names have not been revealed due to security concerns. The army usually does due diligence before releasing sensitive information for public consumption, especially the one pertaining killing of militants.

Brigadier General Mohamed Tahlil, the commander of the Infantry Division which is responsible for land operations, told state media that the forces recovered weapons during the early morning operations, adding that the militant's efforts to collect the dead bodies of their colleagues were futile.

“Our forces took swift action against Al-Shabaab terrorists who were trying to carry out an attack. We killed over 30 Khawarij fighters including senior commanders and forced them to flee from their dead bodies. We are committed to destroying the terrorist network in this region and throughout the country”, Bihi told SONNA.

According to him, the militants who had retreated started shooting innocent civilians randomly but the number of civilian deaths has not yet been established. The second phase of the operation is set to resume during the Holy month of Ramadan according to the senior security advisor to the presidency.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud had declared "total war" on Al-Shabaab militants and according to records by the government, the militants have lost significant territories in the last seven months. Besides the local militia, the US Africa Command and the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia teams are taking part in the operations.

So far, the group is yet to make any official communication with regard to its severe losses on Tuesday but in most cases, it usually dispels such information. A rejuvenated Somali National Army is fighting hard to reclaim most parts of the country a year before they assume security responsibilities.

GAROWE ONLINE