Major operation targets Al-Shabaab in central Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia - At least 12 Al-Shabaab fighters were killed in central Somalia, security teams confirmed in the latest operation, which exposed the defensive lapses in the group, which is fighting to topple the fragile UN-backed federal government of Somalia.

The planned operation was conducted by Somali security forces in coordination with the US Africa Command, which has been instrumental in neutralizing the militants using air surveillance.

According to the security teams, the planned operation was conducted in the Ceel-dhiiqo Weyne area, located between Ceel-lahelay and Ceel-garas in the Galgaduud region. The al-Shabaab fighters have frequented the Galgaduud region for a while.

Among those killed were senior Al-Shabaab leaders who are said to be responsible for a series of attacks across the country. The government is yet to publish the names of the senior leaders, but termed the outing as 'successful'.

The operation also left at least 13 other fighters critically injured, and they have been taken into custody for questioning. The US Africa Command is said to have participated in the air raid as the local forces commandeered ground combat.

Security forces also targeted a facility where more than 400 militants were being trained. Efforts are underway to pursue the remaining fighters who fled towards the Ceelbuur district, officials said in a statement, Saturday.

The government of Somalia is closely monitoring Al-Shabaab movements across the country, with the long-term strategy being to defeat the militants for the stabilisation of the country. The African Union is also closely working with Somali troops.

GAROWE ONLINE