Somalia: Ten militants killed in covert operation near Kismayo city

KISMAYO, Somalia - A top military commander says at least ten militants have been killed in an immense joint army operation against the Al-Qaeda-affiliated extremist group Al-Shabab on Friday, Garowe Online reports.

General Aden Mohamud Ibrahim, known as [Aden Goojaar] confirmed that the offensive was carried out in the vicinity of Jamame district located on the outskirts of the southern port city of Kismayo, targeting Al-Shabab bases.

Ibrahim added that Danab team, the U.S.-trained Somalia's special forces have taken part in the operation against Al-Shabab hideouts in Arare, Bangani, Koban and Hajji Muse, flashpoint areas near Jamame.

The Islamist group is yet to release its own statement regarding the attack and the army commander's claims.

The offensive comes just days after the chief of Somali National Army [SNA], General Dahir Elmi Indha Qarshe paid a troop visit to the combined forces on the frontlines outside Kismayo city.

Despite losing swathes of territory, including the port town to KDF and Somali troops in 2012, Al-Shabab continues to control of parts of the country and carrying out attacks against SNA and their allied AU and U.S. forces.

The group which still poses a potent threat to the national security as well as the neighboring countries, mainly Kenya killed two American soldiers this year in southern Somalia amid broader U.S. airstrikes against its bastions.

GAROWE ONLINE