Over 80 Al-Shabab militants killed in Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia - At least 80 Al-Shabaab militants have been killed following operations across Somalia in the last week, the government has confirmed while calling for vigilance in the fight against the group, which has strained economic progress in the country.

Somalia activated the fight against Al-Shabaab in the last two years when President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud took over, leading to the death of over 3,000 militants. The military focused on Hirshabelle and Galmadug state in Somalia.

According to the government, the operations took place in Harardhere (Mudug), Fiiqaay jungle near Daaru-Nicma (Middle Shabelle), and a hideout near Waajid town (Bakool). In general, the government reports, that over 80 militants were killed.

The operation in Fiiqaay, officials said, was participated by ‘international parents’ and has targeted militants who attacked Daaru-Nicma on Tuesday. The militants had also heightened their attacks across the country during the Holy Month of Ramadan.

To thwart the group's cowardly attacks, the government has deployed security officers in strategic towns across the Horn of Africa nation. Special Forces have been working hard to secure Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia and regional administrative states.

On Thursday, Al-Shabaab militants reported seizing a surveillance drone that crashed near Bulobarde town, Hiran region. The Somali National Army has been working closely with the US Africa Command and the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) in the ongoing operations.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud declared total war against Al-Shabaab militants and has since called for support from the international community in the fight against the militants. Somalia predicts that by the end of 2024, the militants will be defeated.

GAROWE ONLINE