Somali, foreign forces kill over 20 Al-Shabaab militants in operation

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Operations against Al-Shabaab militants made major gains on Wednesday, officials said, with the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) partnering with international forces to down many members of the group in central Somalia.

According to the state media, over 20 Al-Shabaab militants were killed in Galhareeri village, which has been a major stronghold of the group, in one of the outings which has been described as 'most successful ' by the security forces, who are preparing to take over security responsibilities from foreign troops.

Reports indicate that an airstrike was activated during the operation, leaving a radio and explosive facilities center badly demolished. The center was used for the logistical organization by the militants, army officials said after the raid.

"20 al-Shabaab terrorists killed in Galhareeri operation by NISA and partners. The strike demolished their radio and explosives facilities center. Somalia," state media reported without giving more details about the operation.

Somali National Army with the help of the US Africa Command and the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) has been conducting operations against Al-Shabaab in central regions and southern parts of the country.

For the last 15 months, close to 4000 Al-Shabaab militants have been killed, with the operation now set to shift to Southwest and Jubaland states for the second phase. The first phase targeted Galmadug and HirShabelle states in central regions.

On Wednesday, the US Africa Command confirmed that 3 Al-Shabaab militants were killed in northeastern Kismayo, following an airstrike.

The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia troops have started exiting the country, with President Hassan Sheikh projecting that by the end of December 2024, most regions would have been liberated.

GAROWE ONLINE