The Somali National Army conducted large-scale military operations against the militant group of Al-Shabab on the outskirts of Basra area, which is situated on the border between Lower and Middle Shabelle provinces, an official statement from the Defense Ministry of Somalia said on Monday.
The Somali Forces successfully eliminated scores of Al-Shabab fighters in the operation, including two senior Al-Shabab commanders, and seized their weapons, the statement further added. According to the statement from the Defense Ministry, the operations are still underway while the Somali Forces are pursuing Al-Shabab fighters who are on the run in order to clean them from areas close to Basra.
The Defense Ministry further disclosed that the main objective of the operation was to maintain the security in the areas and safeguard the safety and the well-being of local residents living in these areas, further noting that the official casualties will be publicly announced once the operations will be wrapped up. The Somali Federal Government recently stepped up its military operations against the militant group of Al-Shabab, stating that it is committed to take control of areas that the militant group of Al-Shabab are still operating.
Conversely, the Ministry of Defense of Somalia has commended the Somali forces that are participating in the operations, further revealing that anti-Al-Shabab operations and efforts to liberate areas still under the control of Al-Shabab fighters will proceed.
