Al-Shabaab suffers massive losses in latest Somalia army operation

FILE: Somali Army and Al-Shabab

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Al-Shabaab militants have yet again suffered immense losses in Somalia, following the latest crackdown which comes at the time the national army is preparing for the second phase of operations against the militants in Southwest and Jubaland states in the country.

According to the state media, the Somali National Army [SNA] with assistance from the US Africa Command and the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia [ATMIS], targeted the militants in Sigato, Middle Shabelle, killing a number of fighters, but the number was not immediately revealed.

During the operation, the army also destroyed sophisticated equipment being used by the militants, "inflicting them with severe losses" at the same time. The army did not suffer any setbacks during the operation in central Somalia, state media noted.

"In a joint operation with international allies, the National Army targeted Al-Shabaab militants’ vehicles and equipment in the Sigato area of Runirgood district, Middle Shabelle region," state media reported. "The operation inflicted heavy losses on the terrorists present."

The state is yet to issue the accurate number of casualties but in recent weeks, the national army has been carrying out joint operations with the US Africa Command and ATMIS soldiers across the country. The Al-Shabaab militants are yet to confirm the confrontation.

In due course, the national army with the help of international partners, will be camping in southwest and Jubaland to flush out Al-Shabaab, a group which has been wreaking havoc in the country for almost two decades. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has insisted that the war will continue until the militants are defeated.

Elsewhere, Al-Shabaab militants attacked a police post in Cali-Turcaaye neighborhood in Yaqshid district on Tuesday night, as claimed by the militant group. Six soldiers were killed in the attack and one soldier was captured as the group also destroyed the base of the targeted soldiers.

Security teams in Mogadishu and the surrounding have been tireless in securing the city from the militants, who have been fighting to topple the fragile UN-backed federal government of Somalia. Hassan Sheikh recently noted milestones made in the war, adding that there is the hope of conquering the militants.

GAROWE ONLINE