Airstrikes Target Al-Shabaab Hideouts in Central Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Heavy airstrikes were witnessed in central Somalia over the weekend, with the US Africa Command and the Somali National Army (SNA) working closely to eliminate Al-Shabaab militants who are working hard to topple the government.

The al-Shabaab group has intensified attacks in central and southern regions in Somalia, leading to the death of thousands of innocent people and members of the security forces who often witness raids in their camps.

According to sources, the airstrikes were carried out along the border between Somalia’s Galgaduud and Middle Shabelle regions — the notorious hideouts of the al-Shabaab group, which is accused of destabilising Somalia for the last two decades.

Sources said the strikes hit Hareera Culusow, an area under militant control, where witnesses reported explosions at known al Shabaab bases, adding that fighters, including senior commanders, had gathered at the site at the time of the attack.

Missiles targeted the hideouts, with the number of casualties remaining unclear — even though the region hosts hundreds of fighters. But military sources say dozens of fighters were killed.

There has been no immediate comment from Somalia’s federal government or its international security partners on who carried out the strikes or the extent of the damage. The US Africa Command is mostly responsible for the airstrikes against Al-Shabaab.

Last week, similar airstrikes were witnessed in Puntland state, where the US Africa Command is working closely with the regional troops in pursuing the ISIS remnants within the Cal-Miskaad mountains in the eastern parts of the Bari region.

“These lethal strikes demonstrate our resolve and commitment to ensuring Americans and our partners remain safe from the threat of global terrorism.” – Gen. Dagvin Anderson, Commander, U.S. Africa Command.

The al-Shabaab and ISIS militants have suffered heavy casualties in recent months, given the ongoing military operations targeting their bases. The government of Somalia believes that the country would be secured from these insurgency groups.

GAROWE ONLINE