Somalia: Airstrikes hit Al-Shabaab in Afgoye, near the capital

AFGOYE, Somalia - At least 12 Al-Shabaab militants were killed in Afgoye, the critical supply route in the country, showcasing determination and resilience in the fight against the group, which controls most parts of rural central and southern regions.

The Somali government says 12 al-Shabaab militants were killed following an operation last night in the vicinity of Jambalul, near Afgoye town. Located in the north of Mogadishu, the town is often raided by the Al-Shabaab.

The operation targeted the bunkers the group was preparing to use, but the situation developed into a fierce firefight. The militants fired mortars, resulting in civilian casualties, and two security agents were also injured.

Meanwhile, the Somali government on Wednesday evening reported a possible airstrike in the vicinity of the al-Shabaab-controlled town of Jilib, targeting leading militant figures. Details of the operation are expected soon, the intelligence agency said.

This comes at the time Jubaland regional forces and the Somali National Army (SNA) are closing in on the Al-Shabaab within the Jilib corridor, often used by the fighters. The town is found in Middle Jubba within Jubaland.

Recently, security teams seized Jamaame within Lower Shabelle, opening the way for the final assault on the militants in Jilib. The US Africa Command is assisting the local fighters by activating aerial support.

Elsewhere, the Somali National Army forces thwarted an attempted suicide attack at General Dhagabadan Camp in Mogadishu, one of the army's training centres in Somalia.

The Army Command confirmed that vigilant soldiers shot a suicide bomber attempting to breach the camp's entrance, Wednesday. The explosion resulted in injuries to some guards. SNA confirmed the area has been secured and normalcy has been restored.

GAROWE ONLINE