At least 200 Al-Shabaab militants killed in joint operation, says Govt

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The government of Somalia has proclaimed a huge victory against Al-Shabaab militants as the crackdown continued amid ongoing elections as the country enters a critical phase of the electoral process which has been significantly delayed.

Government officials told the media over 200 militants were killed in an operation carried out at Hareeri-gubadle village, about 20km east of Wabho in the Galgadud region, central Somalia. The village is found in Galmadug state, which is prone to Al-Shabaab attacks.

The government said foreign forces assisted the Somali National Army [SNA] during the operation at the Al-Shabaab base. The reports are yet to be verified and if confirmed, this would be the most successful operation against Al-Shabaab in as many years.

Although the government did not disclose the foreign forces with who it may have partnered during the operation, the African Union Mission Forces [AMISOM] have been closely working with local security forces in pursuing Al-Shabaab in Somalia.

Further, the US Africa Command has also been a major partner, especially through assistance from aerial bombardments in the Al-Shabaab strongholds. The US Africa Command is yet to confirm the incident on official pages.

Last week, the American troops who train the Danab Special Forces confirmed assisting SNA troops to down at least ten Al-Shabaab militants in southern Somalia. This was the first cooperation from the US troops this year.

A report published by The Wall Street Journal indicates US President Joe Biden is under pressure to redeploy soldiers to Somalia to help in the fight against Al-Shabaab. Top Pentagon officials were quoted saying Somalia should get military assistance due to the Al-Shabaab threat.

Former President Donald Trump had signed an executive order which led to the repositioning of over 700 soldiers from Somalia to Kenya and Djibouti. The US has been a key partner in the war against terrorism in the country.

Somali govt said that its army in collaboration with foreign forces killed 200 militants during an Operation on the Al-Shabaab base. There were no independent reports confirming the claims.

GAROWE ONLINE