At least 25 Al-Shabaab militants in Ops in Somalia ahead of election

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Operations masterminded by the Somali National Army [SNA] continue to yield fruits, especially in Central Somalia, with the Al-Shabaab militants suffering huge setbacks in the past two weeks, following the deaths of numerous fighters.

The SNA forces on Tuesday announced further deaths of 25 Al-Shabaab militants in Hiraan region following an operation that targeted the group's hideouts. Al-Shabaab has a huge presence in central and southern Somalia.

In a statement, the SNA forces also announced the confiscation of several weapons used by the fighters and other paraphernalia, including but not limited to the Improvised Explosive Devices [IEDs] which are commonly used by the militants.

"SNA forces attacked and killed 25 Al-Shabaab fighters in Hiraan region. During the operation, the forces managed to confiscate weapons and ammunition used by the militants," read the statement from the military.

The Somali National Army is working hard to reign over Al-Shabaab ahead of the African Union Mission Forces exit from Somalia later on this year. The AMISOM team is set to leave upon full implementation of the Somali Transition Plan [STP].

On Friday, the SNA team confirmed killing 15 militants at Gal-labashiir in Middle Shebelle, in an attack that leftover 20 militants severely injured. This was one of the major operations in as many months within the country.

"Somali National Army killed 15 Al-Shabaab terrorists, including leaders, more than 20 were injured, In the operation, the Somali Army captured weapons In Gal-labashiir, Middle Shabelle Region," SNA announced that achievement.

On Saturday, the troops continued with their operations in the central parts of the country within Galkayo-Harareey, a town that has been persistently under Al-Shabaab attack in recent months. The town is found in Galmadug state.

During the operation, SNA said, at least 37 militants were killed, taking the number to 52 within just 24 hours. Two attackers were captured during the operation and will now have to spend in military detention for further scrutiny.

"The SNA troops carried a planned attack at Galkayo-Harareey where the militants were stationed. At least 37 militants were killed during the operation while two others were captured," SNA added.

Al-Shabaab on their side claimed SNA commander Gen Odawaa Yusuf Rageh survived a bomb attack in Middle Shabelle. The top military officer was in the combat team that has been leading operations within the country.

SNA did not confirm or deny the alleged bomb blast targeting Chief of Defense Forces Gen. Rageh, but it's clear he was on the battlefield. The 35-year-old general is one of the youngest top military commanders in the young army that is rebuilding after years of shambles.

GAROWE ONLINE