Al-Shabaab finance controller killed in army operation in Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The Somali forces continue to take control across the country ahead of the anticipated exit of the African Union Mission Forces in Somalia, following their latest fortunes against the Al-Shabaab militants, who have been wreaking havoc across the Horn of Africa nation.

Over the weekend, the Special Forces drawn from US-trained Danab managed to kill a man believed to be a financial controller for the Al-Shabaab militants in Lower Shebelle, further inflicting losses to the group which swore allegiance to the Al-Qaida in 2010.

Sidow Mayow was killed during a covert operation waged by the special forces in Lower Shebelle, a region where the militants have been controlling for a while. The special troops have been focusing on Al-Shabaab hideouts in the last couple of months since March this year.

Mayow was also head of the taxation for the militants in Lower Shabelle and has been on the radar for several months now. Also killed was a man identified as Isak, whose role could not be independently established, but he had been equally on the radar for crimes against the civilians.

Al-Shabaab is said to be collecting millions of dollars from local revenues, even exceeding the amount collected by the Federal Government of Somalia. The channels and systems used have been targeted by security forces who are keen to ensure their source of revenue is completely destroyed.

The Al-Shabaab militants still control large swathes of rural central and southern Somalia but have been significantly degraded. Since January, hundreds of Al-Shabaab militants have been killed in the country according to data collated by the Federal Government of Somalia.

Danab's increasing fortunes come at the time the United States is withdrawing over 700 soldiers stationed in Somalia despite resistance from local leadership. Dubbed Operation Octave Quartz, the US said the troops will be repositioned elsewhere in East Africa.

GAROWE ONLINE