Somalia soldiers kill more Al-Shabaab fighters

BBC/ED HABERSHON

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The onslaught against Al-Shabaab militants continued in different parts of the country with the Somali National Army [SNA] making major gains in the Hiiraan region, where the group has been dominant for several years, causing massive setbacks on all fronts according to experts.

State media reported that the Al-Shabaab militants were killed by members of the army near Afcad in Hiiraan, where fighting has been going on for several weeks. At least 50 militants were killed in the latest operation, the state media noted.

The international partners participated in the raid in what has been a routine for the past several months, where they have been providing essential aerial surveillance. The US Africa Command, the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia [ATMIS], and local militia have been critical in the process.

"Somali National Armed Forces killed over 50 Al-Shabaab terrorists including five ring leaders in a planned operation near Afcad location in Hiiraan region with support of Somalia’s international security partners, on Friday, an statement by the government says," state media noted.

This comes a few days after the government claimed to have killed over 200 militants this week in HirShabelle state. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud had earlier indicated that HirShabelle and Galmadug would be liberated from the Al-Shabaab by the end of this month.

Mursal Khalif, a member of the Federal Parliament who also serves in the Defense Committee, opines that the government of Somalia needs much help from the international community particularly in sustaining the ongoing military offense besides keeping liberated towns intact.

"What’s truly needed is a sense of urgency by Somalia’s international partners on two fronts, increasing the speed and scope of support to liberated territories, and scaling up military offensive to ensure a nationally coordinated effort to defeat Al-Shabab," said the seasoned legislator.

"United Nations, African Union, European Union and the United States have spent billions of dollars in the last three decades to respond to humanitarian needs and nation-building efforts in Somalia," added Mursal, who lauded the ongoing offensive against the militants.

Having lost most strategic territories, the Al-Shabaab militants have started relocating to safer places but the government troops are still pursuing them.

The Al-Shabaab has been fighting to topple the fragile UN-backed federal government of Somalia and are intending to impose Sharia Law on the people.

GAROWE ONLINE