Al-Shabaab militants killed in Central Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The al-Shabaab fighters suffered yet another immense blow after losing the battle against regional forces in central regions, as the war against the militants continues to register gains in central Somalia and within the southern areas.

According to reports, the Galmudug state's Darwish Forces engaged in a fierce battle against Al-Shabaab in the Ceelahelay area of Galgaduud, killing at least seven militants, regional commanders said on Sunday.

Several other fighters were critically wounded, with the forces arresting them for both treatment and interrogation. This was the first heavy battle between the two forces in as many months, with regional troops getting support from the national forces.

Officers from the Galayr Battalion told state media that troops found the bodies of the militants at the scene and were pursuing others who fled during the operation. The forces are pursuing the militants who are said to have managed to escape.

They said the darkness made it difficult to determine the full scale of casualties, but added that the number of dead and wounded fighters was likely higher than initial estimates. Full assessment is underway to determine the number of those who were killed in the latest crackdown.

Al-Shabaab fighters are keen to overthrow the fragile UN-backed federal government of Somalia, but the resilience of the Somali National Army (SNA), the regional forces, and the international partners has technically kept them at bay.

The group has been dealing with defections and surrenders in recent months, but it remains a huge threat to Somalia's security. The government has vowed to ensure the group is eliminated through organised operations.

GAROWE ONLINE