Al-Shabaab loses several fighters in southern Somalia
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Staff Reporter Garowe Online
- Posted On 11-06-2023, 05:48PM
MOGADISHU, Somalia - Somalia-based Al-Shabaab militants have suffered massive setbacks in the latest crackdown spearheaded by the Somali National Army [SNA] with assistance from foreign partners, state media reported, just days after the group targeted two Forward Operating Bases in the country.
In a joint operation within Lower Shabelle, the Al-Shabaab had 19 fighters losing their lives with several others believed to have been injured in the offensive carried out on Saturday within Lower Shabelle.
Those injured are under the custody of the military, state media noted. According to state-owned media, the joint operation took place today in the Bulo Mohamed Abdalla area, located within the Awdhegle district, following an intelligence report received by the National Intelligence and Security Agency. The government hailed locals for giving tips.
Several vehicles and weapons belonging to the group were destroyed with the army managing to neutralize the militants from all fronts. So far, the group which usually reports operations against the army and foreign troops, is yet to confirm losses inflicted on them by the national army.
The militants have been on a rampage recently, killing over 54 soldiers attached to the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia [ATMIS].
The Ugandan contingent mans Bulo Marer Forward Operating Base, and the Al-Shabaab insists that over 137 soldiers were killed during the raid. A few days later, the militants had their attack on the Ethiopian National Defense Forces [ENDF] in Dolow town raided by the militants but the attack was repelled successfully by the troops.
On Friday last week, the militants attacked Pearl Hotel in Mogadishu, killing 9 people including six civilians and three soldiers. It is expected that by the end of this month, close to 2,000 ATMIS soldiers would have withdrawn from the country in compliance with Somali Transition Plan, and will be replaced by the Somali National Army.
Somalia says it is ready to take the challenge by assuming security responsibilities.
GAROWE ONLINE
