GAROWE, Somalia Feb 14, 2015 (Garowe Online)-Puntland Government in northern Somalia for the first time spoke on raid on Al Shabaab bases in Madashoor vicinity, 23km west of restive Galgala on Saturday, Garowe Online reports.

Puntland Security Minister Hassam Osman Mohamud (Allore) told a news conference in the state capital of Garowe that Puntland Defence Forces killed 16 Al Shabaab militants and wounded 26 others in Friday assault.

“Security Minister and Army command confirm that 16 Al Shabaab militants were killed and 26 others were wounded,” said Mohamud. “Minor losses of two deaths and 6 injuries were inflicted on army troops”.

Security Minister noted that the raid was aimed at rescuing civilians being kidnapped by Al Shabaab.

He said, Puntland troops will be pressing ahead with major offensive in the coming days to cleanse hideouts of Al Shabaab remnants.

On Friday, security sources told Garowe Online that Puntland carried out pre-emptive attack on Madashor terrorist hotbed.

The north eastern state has been battling Al Qaeda-inspired militants in the rugged terrain of Galgala and hideouts along Golis Mountain Ranges since mid-2010.

GAROWE ONLINE