Somali troops intensify operations against Al-Shabaab

File photo of Somali soldiers. Photo: AFP

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The Somali National Army [SNA] and partner troops intensified operations against Al-Shabaab militants over the last two weeks, a report compiled by Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project indicates, amid ongoing elections in the country.

According to the report, special focus was put on the Banadir region which hosts the capital Mogadishu and the Lower Jubba regions. The militants control large swathes of rural central and southern Somalia according to the US Africa Command.

Intensive fighting was reported in the two regions between the military and the militants, resulting in fatalities. "The clashes resulted in many fatalities among both military forces and militants," reads part of the report.

Furthermore, in the Galgaduud region, a joint U.S. Africa Command forces and Somali security forces [SNA] airstrike on an Al Shabaab stronghold in Hareeri-gubadle village killed dozens. Moreover, militants carried out a series of deadly IED attacks on security forces and civilians across the country, including foreign workers.

But the militants, the report adds, were able to increase raids in neighboring Kenya by attacking various bases along the border and deeper into the country. The attacks occurred in Mandera and Wajir counties.

"Al Shabaab militants also carried out remote attacks across the border into Kenya within the Banissa and Wajir counties. Towards Giriley village, Al Shabaab claimed that clashes with military forces led to the killing of many soldiers transporting supplies."

Despite suffering huge setbacks in Somalia, Al-Shabaab managed to carry out at least four attacks in the country, killing over 60 people. The majority of the victims were residents of Beletwyene where twin blasts killed over 50 people according to official reports.

Somalia is battling instability for the last three decades but close cooperation between security forces has significantly degraded the militants. Somalia hosts close to 22,000 foreign troops who have managed to liberate several strategic towns from Al-Shabaab.

GAROWE ONLINE