Somali army intensifies operations against Al-Shabaab after attacks

File photo of Somali soldiers. Photo: AFP

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The Somali National Army [SNA] has intensified operations against the Al-Shabaab militants in Somalia, narrowing their focus to the south and central regions, where they have been in a charm offensive for the last three months.

The state media, citing military officials reported that at least 13 militants were killed during the operation against Al-Shabaab in response to Saturday night mortar attack on Awdhegle town, some 70Kms northwest of Mogadishu.

At least 15 people were critically injured in the mortar shelling by the militants, who targeted Somali military bases in the town in Lower Shabelle which was liberated early this year by Somali and AU troops.

In a similar operation, local Galmadug security forces and the Somali National Army launched an operation against Al-Shabaab in areas around Ba'adweyne in the Mudug region, targeting militants who were reportedly connected to the attacks.

"Somali government forces, backed by Galmudug forces, have carried out various operations in areas near Ba'adweyne town in Mudug region, against Al-Shabaab," state media reported.

The operation came after Al-Shabaab launched a mortar attack on the Ba'adweyne area, and the forces conducted the operation between Shabellow, Amara and Ba'adweyne areas, all under SNA control.

Officials from the 21st Division of the Somali National Army [SNA] said that the operation was successful and that they have taken control of new areas in the southern part of the Mudug region, close to Ba'adweyne town.

GAROWE ONLINE