Govt Forces Clash with Al-Shabaab, Leave 11 Soldiers Dead in Southern Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia — At least 11 Somali regional and federal government forces perished in intense combat against al-Shabab militants on Wednesday in southern Somalia, near Wayaanta, approximately 60 kilometers southwest of Kismayo in Jubaland state.

According to three officials who spoke on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on speaking to the media, the engagement also left more than 20 soldiers injured. They further stated that over 20 al-Shabab militants were killed during the skirmish.

The region has seen previous military actions against the insurgents. Last year, an operation in the same area resulted in the death of a prominent al-Shabab commander, and a U.S. "collective self-defense" airstrike killed three militants in Wayaanta.

Al-Shabab, linked to al-Qaeda, has been engaged in conflict with Somalia's government since 2006, holding sway over significant rural territories in south-central Somalia. However, local fighters backed by federal forces have managed to reclaim considerable areas from the militants since the current president assumed office in May 2022.

In related news, Somalia’s intelligence agency announced on Sunday the death of 27 al-Shabab militants in a targeted 12-hour operation near Yaaqle, north of Mogadishu. Equipment and vehicles were also destroyed in this operation.

Despite these setbacks, al-Shabab continues to pose a significant security challenge, as demonstrated by a recent mortar attack on an African Union base within Mogadishu’s international airport, which resulted in the death of two AU soldiers and injury to another.

GAROWE ONLINE