Al-Shabaab suffers series of blows in Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Al-Shabaab suffered yet another blow in the latest operation by the Somali National Army [SNA] within Middle Shabelle, as the country strives to restore order and stability in the Horn of Africa nation, which has been struggling to contain setbacks for the last three decades.

Somali National Army reported that it neutralized Al-Shabaab militants within Hawadley in Middle Shabelle following intensive fighting which left several militants dead and others critically injured. The fighting lasted for several hours.

According to the state media, 17 militants were killed on the site while 150 others were injured as the army with the help of local militia managed to liberate the village which has been under the control of Al-Shabaab, who are in charge of several towns in rural central and southern Somalia.

Elite National Intelligence Security Agency [NISA] team also participated in the operation, as the country continues with the mobilization of both security forces and regional militia to help counter the militants. The strategy has yielded fruits, the government said.

"Over 150 Al-Shabab terrorists including ringleaders neutralized in the latest operations conducted by SNA and locals, per Information Ministry, adding 17 of them were killed in an operation carried out last night by NISA and global partners in Hawadley area of Middle Shabelle province," read the statement.

It is not just in Middle Shabelle, the operations have been going on in Hiiraan, Galgaduud, and Bay regions where the militants have suffered huge setbacks. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud insisted he will use all resources available to degrade the militants.

The president, whose strategy has been praised by stakeholders, also noted that Al-Shabaab will be fought both militarily and ideologically. The business owners have been warned against giving Al-Shabaab money either willingly or through extortion.

On Wednesday, Somali National Army Chief Gen. Odawa Yusuf Rage received military officials from the US who are on duty in Somalia. They discussed a range of topics including strengthening cooperation between the two armies and the ongoing military operations against terrorists.

The US has been a key partner in the fight against Al-Shabaab with the latest airstrike targeting Al-Shabaab killing two militants in Buloburde. America, besides training and equipping Danab Special forces, has been integral in supporting the army through aerial bombardments.

GAROWE ONLINE