Al-Shabaab suffers more losses in Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Al-Shabaab militants have yet again suffered more setbacks in the country despite their spirited efforts to destabilize Somalia, with the group losing at least 18 fighters in the latest operation conducted by the Somali National Army [SNA] commandos.

According to the state media, the commandos killed the militants following a coordinated operation at Budbud area and Galcad town in Galgudud region under Galmudug State in Somalia on Saturday afternoon, officials confirmed.

Abdirahman Yusuf Adala, the Deputy Minister for Information, the army managed to destroy the group's network with senior Al-Shabaab militants targeted in the process. The offensive was organized following a tip-off from members of the public, officials added.

He added that the SNA, regional forces, and international partners are committed to eradicating terrorists throughout the country as soon as possible, state media added. The operation comes amid an ongoing crackdown against the group across the country, which has been fighting to rebuild for the last three decades.

Last week, the militants suffered more losses in Weelmarow village in Lower Jubba, after the national army, the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia [ATMIS] troops and the US Africa Command launched a number of attacks. Top Al-Shabaab commanders were killed during the raids.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has declared total war against the militants from the military front, also embracing tactical solutions such as ideological approaches and thwarting the group's sources of revenue. 

The second phase of operations against Al-Shabaab will commence in Jubaland and Southwest states, Hassan Sheikh had promised, mobilizing non-ATMIS troops from Kenya, Djibouti, and Ethiopia in the process. Al-Shabaab militants are fighting to topple the fragile UN-backed federal government of Somalia.

GAROWE ONLINE