Somalia: Al-Shabaab death toll hits 70 as SNA gain more ground

MOGADISHU, Somalia - More Al-Shabaab militants were killed by the Somali National Army (SNA) with assistance from the US Africa Command and the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), officials said, as the crackdown intensified in central regions of the country.

In a statement, officials claimed over 70 more militants were killed and 30 others injured in a follow-up military operation in an area called Tabar-mooge, about 28km north of Harardhere town. The town is notorious with Al-Shabaab filtration.

Statement said the operation was conducted by Somali forces in collaboration with international partners. It further said some of the militias targeted fled from Carfuuda village which was hit in the previous operation reported on Wednesday.

On Wednesday, the government claimed a new military operation killed over 30 militants in the vicinity of Carfuuda, about 20km northeast of Harardhere, Galmudug state. The operation was also in collaboration with Somali forces and international partners,

In both cases, the government did not provide photographic, or visual evidence of the casualties reported. The al-Shabaab militants who also use social media and other available communication channels, have neither confirmed nor denied the latest losses.

It said the operation targeted two centers - for organizing and explosive preparations in Carfuuda, a village where the militants have been attacking innocent civilians, members of security forces, and other senior government officials.

The war against al-Shabaab has intensified in recent weeks with the group losing strategic regions to government forces. The war against al-Shabaab was declared a 'priority' by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who has requested assistance from the international community.

GAROWE ONLINE