Somali Army eliminates over 70 al-Shabab militants in major counter-terrorism operation
Credit: AFP
The Somali National Army, in coordination with local forces, eliminated over 70 Al-Shabab militants in a joint military operation, the Information Ministry announced.
The Al-Qaeda-linked group, which has waged an insurgency for over 15 years, seeks to impose Islamic law in the country.
According to the ministry’s statement, the offensive took place in Hirshabelle state, located in south-central Somalia. In addition to the heavy militant casualties, government forces seized a large cache of weapons and destroyed several combat vehicles used by the extremists.
Eyewitness accounts supported the ministry’s claims. One local resident stated, “The armed men of Al-Shabab were beaten… dozens of their bodies were visible in the combat zones.” Sources also indicated that the operation was a response to recent Al-Shabab attacks in the region.
Despite being expelled from Mogadishu by African Union forces in 2011, Al-Shabab remains active in rural areas, carrying out deadly bombings and armed assaults across Somalia.
In response, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has vowed a “total war” against the group. The government’s campaign is supported by local militias, African Union forces, and U.S. airstrikes.
