Al-Shabaab's financial operative killed in Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia - A senior Al-Shabaab financial operative has been killed in Somalia, the government announced on Wednesday, in what has been nodded as an "important milestone" in the ongoing crackdown against the militants who are still dominant in central and southern Somalia.

The Ministry of Defence announced that the group's notorious financier in the Bay region was killed along with several other militants as the national army mops up operations against the militants, who have been wreaking havoc in the Horn of Africa nation, which is seeking stability after three decades of turmoil.

Without revealing the identity of the suspect, the Ministry of Defence insisted the victim has been leading a gang of individuals in extorting unsuspecting citizens in various parts of the country including but not limited to Adegabow Garar, Warta Dolar, Weley Bagal, and Ey-Duray, all of which are situated in the Bay region.

According to the ministry, the operation was "satisfactory" and managed to neutralize the militants who are notorious for waging coordinated attacks mostly targeting innocent civilians and security forces. The operation will continue in various parts across the region, the ministry said.

This comes after the government revealed that within the last seven days, at least seven Al-Shabaab top commanders have been killed in operations launched across the country. Currently, operations have been activated in central areas with the military also planning similar outings in southern parts.

Jubaland and Southwest states will host the national army, the US Africa Command, and the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia [ATMIS] in planned operations set to resume soon. The government of Somalia declared total war against the Al-Shabaab in July 2022 when President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud took over.

The government of Somalia has also requested assistance from Kenya, Djibouti, and Ethiopia, noting that supplementing the operations with non-ATMIS troops would significantly help those on the frontline. The Al-Shabaab has lost significant territories since the operations kicked off last year.

GAROWE ONLINE