Somali Army, Local Forces Deal Major Blows to Al-Shabaab in Central, Southern Regions

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The operations against Al-Shabaab in central and southern regions seem to be yielding fruits as more locals join the Somali National Army (SNA) in recovering strategic areas within the country as the call for stability becomes a reality.

For the last two months, the Somali National Army has sustained operations against the group, which has been significantly pushed to almost submission with the assistance of the US Africa Command and the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).

At Sumadale in Middle Shabelle, close to 30 Al-Shabaab fighters were killed following a well-executed operation by the national army and local fighters. The militants were plotting a potentially devastating attack against the government troops.

"National and local forces dealt a major blow to Kharijite militants in Sumadale, Middle Shabelle, today, killing over 30 fighters," state media reports. State media reporter Sadam Abdulle, embedded with the forces, confirmed the operation.

Earlier, at Awdheegle, the Somali National Army delivered a significant and unforgettable blow to the Al-Shabaab militants attempting to attack their positions. The confrontation occurred in the Awdheegle District of Lower Shabelle and the Buursha Sheekh area of Middle Shabelle, where the militants suffered substantial losses.

In a separate operation on Friday evening, the National Forces executed a planned raid that successfully dismantled the militant’s gathering site in the Labada Garas area of Middle Shabelle, resulting in the elimination of all enemy fighters present.

Further, in Bakool, the Somali National Army with assistance from the local troops, managed to pull yet another victory, killing over 40 Al-Shabaab fighters. The determination reflects the commitment of the government to defeat the group that has existed for almost two decades.

The government has finalized deployment agreements for the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia, with Kenya, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Egypt, and Ugandan troops cleared to operate within the country. Burundi is yet to agree on the number with the federal government.

GAROWE ONLINE