Somalia soldiers confront Al-Shabaab, kills over 20 militants

BELEDWEYNE, Somalia - Over 20 Al-Shabaab militants were on Wednesday killed in Somalia following a battle with the Somali National Army [SNA], state media reported, in the latest victory against the terrorists, who control large swathes of rural central and southern Somalia.

Military sources said the militants were targeting a nearby Forward Operating Base [FOB], but the army managed to repulse them, after a confrontation that lasted for several hours. Dozens of the militants were injured during the skirmish, reports indicate.

The base, which is located in Yasoman village within Hiran province, was the target of the attack, with the militants often going for security forces, innocent civilians, and senior government officials in their cowardly attacks. Most army bases are usually the target.

Just like in the recent battles, the situation was salvaged by armed local militia who joined the fight. Fundamentally, it's the local militia who were first to give the Somali National Army a tip, leading to a serious and vicious fight between the two parties.

The army said at least three Somali soldiers were killed in the fighting. Soldiers have often borne the brunt of Al-Shabaab attacks not only in Somalia but also across the borders, triggering President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to call for collective responsibility in the war against Al-Shabaab.

Al-Shabaab militants have been waging deadly campaigns in their bid to oust the fragile UN-backed federal government of Somalia, which is struggling with instability. But in return, soldiers from multi-agency security teams have often managed to degrade the militants.

So far, there were at least 1,518 civilian casualties – 651 killed and 867 injured – in terrorist attacks in Somalia in 2018, followed by 1,459 – 591 killed and 868 injured – in 2019, according to the UN in Somalia.

On Tuesday, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud asked religious scholars to join the country in the war against Al-Shabaab. According to him, the war can be won both through military and ideological tactics, adding that he's certain of impending victory against Al-Shabaab.