MOGADISHU, Somalia- Six more Al Shabaab commanders have been killed by African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) peacekeepers alongside Somali National Army (SNA) in a span of a week as allied forces hone anti militant pushes, Garowe Online reports.

This brings the total number of Al Shabaab commanders killed in one week to seven, AU Mission in Somalia said in statement.

Among those killed is Al Shabaab commander in Janaale, AbdirashidBudgube: “Other Al-Shabaab leaders killed by the allied forces in sector 1 are: Aden Bale-the Al-Shabaab commander of Leego; Sheikh Mohamed Ali who was second in command in Janaale; Mohamed Abribao who was an Al Shabaab judge in Janaale; Hassan Ali Dole-the Chief Aminiyat of lower Shabelle region,” read the press release from AMISOM.

Two foreign nationals identified as a Yemeni IED expert Abu Islam and Kenyan Sheikh Mansor, the chief trainer were also confirmed dead in the intensified assaults on Al Shabaab hideouts in Lower Shabelle region of southern Somalia.

“Al-Shabaab are more frequently resorting to hit and run tactics to avoid direct contact with AMISOM and remain relevant,” said Sector 1 Contingent Commander Brigadier General Sam Okiding.

The announcement comes a day after African Union troops squeezed into Lower Shabelle region town of Janale. Militants fled in advance of anticipated onslaught.

Operations to clear Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and open the Main Supply Route to Janale are underway, AMISOM added.

Militants have lost more ground against Somali government forces backed by African Union troops in central and southern Somalia.

GAROWEONLINE