Somali Military Targets Al-Shabaab Stronghold, Killing  Senior Commanders 

The Somali National Army (SNA) has eliminated two senior Al-Shabaab commanders in central regions, in the latest crackdown against the group, which has caused havoc in central and southern regions, killing many innocent civilians in the process.

The al-Shabaab has been fighting for the last two decades to retake the country, but the strong resistance from the local forces and the peacekeeping mission troops has made it technically impossible for the militants to make strides.

According to reports, the militants were killed during an operation initiated by local militia with the help of the Somali National Army within Guulane in Middle Shabelle. The region is the epicentre of the al-Shabaab defiance over the last seven months.

Those killed were identified as Ali Xabad and Mohamed Adow and were reportedly high-ranking figures involved in coordinating attacks and insurgent activities in the area. Several other fighters were also killed during the assault.

They are said to have been the key organisers of the assaults against government troops, regional forces, local fighters, international partners, and the innocent civilians. Security forces were monitoring them before their elimination.

For the last couple of months, the militants have made significant strides on the frontlines, forcing the military to retreat from critical frontlines such as Adan Yabaal. However, the government maintains it is firmly in charge of strategic towns.

According to officials, Guulane, located in a strategic corridor of Middle Shabelle, has been the site of multiple clashes in recent months as Somalia ramps up pressure on Al-Shabaab strongholds. Liberation of Middle Shabelle is the major concern of the government.

While the group’s activities are on the surge, the government has deployed more troops in various frontlines with assistance from members of the international community. The US Africa Command is also a major participant in the stabilisation mission in Somalia.

GAROWE ONLINE