Somalia: SNA forces kill masterminds of Jubaland bombings

KISMAYO, Somalia - Elite Danab Special Forces have killed masterminds of the most recent bombings in Jubaland, the Ministry of Defence [MoD] has said, just moments after the army launched a raid on Al-Shabaab in Weelmarow village in Lower Jubba region.

The Somali National Army on Tuesday announced the killing of over 40 Al-Shabaab militants, even as the group also claimed to have inflicted casualties on the national army. The US Africa Command had also carried out three airstrikes in the region.

In a statement, the Ministry of Defence announced that its operations near Jilib town inflicted losses on Al-Shabaab militants, who have been on the run for the past few days. The militants have also crossed over from Somalia to Kenya given sustained operations within Somalia.

According to the ministry, Al-Shabaab lost masterminds of recent attacks in Jubaland including Farhan and his deputy, Abdi Mahad. The two are linked to waves of attacks targeting Jubaland security forces, the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia [ATMIS], and the US Africa Command.

"In a victorious joint operation, our Danab commandos and Jubbaland Deravishes struck hard at Al-Shabaab bases in Weel-Maarow and nearby areas. These locations, only 42 km away from the Jilib district - Alshabaab's stronghold, have been successfully reclaimed," read the message.

"In the operation, we dealt a significant blow to Alshabaab, eliminating members including key leaders and the brains behind Jubaland Bombings, Farhan and his deputy, Abdi Mahad. Our resolve is steadfast, our mission clear - eradicating terror and ensuring a peaceful Somalia."

The success comes amid plans to initiate the second phase of operations against the group, which has been fighting to topple the fragile UN-backed federal government of Somalia. The second phase will mainly target Jubaland and Southwest states.

Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud announced a total crackdown against Al-Shabaab militants and has since requested Kenya, Ethiopia, and Djibouti to dispatch non-ATMIS troops for a period of three months to help in flushing out the militants.

GAROWE ONLINE