Dozens of Al-Qaeda-affiliated militants killed in Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The Somali National Army (SNA) has killed over 20 Al-Shabaab militants in the latest crackdown, in yet another significant victory against the group that controls large swathes of rural central and southern regions of the country.

Gen. Dayah Abdulle, Commander of the National Army's infantry, said the 20 militants were killed in Ruun-nirgood and Mesegawa villages, following intensified operations carried out by the national army which is gaining ground in several frontlines.

The government forces recovered 10 weapons and other equipment including AK-47s and RBGs, three vehicles carrying 130 jerry cans of fuel, and other supplies intended for the militants, who are said to have plotted yet another attack.

"Gen. Dayah Abdulle, Commander of the National Army's infantry, visited a rural area near Run-Nirgod in Hirshabelle State on Friday, where troops had neutralized over 20 Alshabab terrorists," read the statement from the state media.

"Gen. Dayah praised the courage and dedication of the stationed troops and residents," the statement further read in a move which gives the military confidence as they target more strategic villages across the Horn of Africa nation.

The government of Somalia intends to defeat Al-Shabaab by the end of this year, consequently, several soldiers have been deployed in various frontlines. The government of Somalia is also targeting various Al-Shabaab sources of revenue.

Interestingly, the government has also designed several Al-Shabaab commanders who are wanted both locally and internationally, including Mahad Karate, the notorious head of finance within the al-Shabaab ranks in the country.

The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) troops have started leaving the country, handing over security responsibilities to the local troops. For the last two years, over 3,000 Al-Shabaab militants have been killed in Somalia.

GAROWE ONLINE