Al-Shabaab suffers immense losses in latest army operation in Somalia

U.S. forces practice convoy training with the Danab Brigade in Somalia, May 4, 2021. (Staff Sgt. Zoe Russell/Air Force)

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Al-Shabaab suffered huge setbacks on Monday in the latest operation carried out by spy agency; the National Intelligence Security Agency [NISA] with assistance from foreign troops, leaving at least 61 people dead according to the Ministry of Information.

International partners led by the US Africa Command and the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia [ATMIS] have been cooperating with the Somali National Army [SNA] and other security agencies in the war against terrorism. The operation was conducted in Middle Shabelle.

The Al-Shabaab militants killed during the operation, the ministry said in a statement, were planning to attack a Forward Operating Base at Hawadlay in central Somalia. Usually, the militants target army bases in their cowardly attacks.

According to the ministry, there were close to 150 militants who were planning the attack and are said to have planted explosives at the time of the attack.

Deputy Information Minister Abdirahman Yusuf al-Adalla, who spoke to journalists moments after the attack, said the group was inflicted heavy defeat and “the conspiracies they have been working on to destroy the national army camp on the outskirts of Hawadley” were foiled.

Incidentally, this is the first time this year the international community is supporting local forces in conducting operations but their contribution has been significant since September 2019. The US Africa Command is yet to confirm the operation but usually, they do thorough verification before going public.

The war against Al-Shabaab has been domiciled in rural central and southern Somalia with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud declaring total war against the Al-Qaida-linked group. The government refuted claims that it is planning to hold talks with Al-Shabaab, as the group also denied such plans.

A number of strategic towns have been liberated across the country from Al-Shabaab following smooth cooperation involving local militia, the Somali National Army, and foreign troops. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud asked locals to join the fight against the militants.

The report released by the United Nations showed that Al-Shabaab killed over 600 civilians and members of security forces in 2022, with those injured estimated at 800. Somalia has also announced that by the end of this month, HirShabelle and Galmadug will be completely free from Al-Shabaab.

GAROWE ONLINE