Somalia forces kill several Al-Shabaab fighters

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The Somali National Army (SNA) killed several Al-Shabaab terrorists in southern parts of the country, officials announced, reclaiming several strategic villages that have been under the control of the militants.

Backed by the regional troops, the government soldiers conducted separate yet consequential operations in Bakool and Lower Jubba regions, killing quite a number in the process, state media reports.

During the crackdown, several rounds of ammunition, Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPGs), and machine guns were recovered, while some militants were also arrested. Those apprehended shall be subjected to the military court.

"The National Armed Forces, backed by regional troops, conducted separate operations to hunt down terrorists in Bakool and Lower Jubba regions on Saturday, killing several terrorists and destroying hideouts," state media reports.

Operations were activated in Southwest and Jubaland states for the last five months, with the militants facing upset on several frontlines. The al-Shabaab is also recording the worst revenue collections in as many years after the closure of various roadblocks.

The militants use extortion as the main source of revenue, consequently, manning several checkpoints. The government of Somalia has projected 2024 as the year of Al-Shabaab defeat, with future security operations set to be entirely conducted by local troops.

Elsewhere, security forces in Baidoa managed to detonate an Improvised Explosive Device, officials said, which would have triggered one of the worst attacks within the regional administrative capital of the Southwest state.

"Security forces in Baidoa have found an improvised explosive device buried in a house under construction, where terrorists were planning to harm civilians," officials said, lauding security officers who foiled the attack.

GAROWE ONLINE