Somali National Army (SNA), backed by local clan forces launched a large scale ground and air offensive against Al-Shabab militants in Middle Shabelle region. The operation which commenced tonight targeting Al-shabab hideouts and is aimed at flushing out Al-Shabab militants from the territory. The first operation targeted Al-Shabab bases in Sumadaale and Bushra Sheikh whereby Somali troops supported by Int’l partners launched ground and air assaults. Reports further indicate that large number of Al-Shabab fighters were killed and dismantled al-shabab commands in the area.
It is confirmed that Al-Shabab fighters fled from districts under their control due to the airstrikes targeting Al-Shabab hideouts. The Somali Gov’t issued a brief statement regarding the ground and air operations. The Somali troops attacked Al-Shabab fighters from multiple directions in an area that they were hiding. Details are sketchy as far as the large scale ground and air offensive against Al-Shabab militants are concerned. The statement released by Somalia’s gov’t went on to say that Somali troops backed by local clan forces conducted cleansing operations which are aimed at driving out Al-Shabab remnants from Middle Shabelle region.
On the other hand, Danab, an elite US-trained Commandos conducted anti-terrorism operation in Sumadaale district, killing al-Shabab fighters including senior leaders who were in a meeting at the time of the operation. The statement from Somalia’s gov’t said that the well-coordinated operation was conducted carefully by avoiding civilian casualties. The objective behind the operation was to kill Al-shabab members in a bid to prevent attacks they were plotting there. The statement confirmed that heavy casualties were inflicted on Al-Shabab militants including death and injuries.
The mission of the operation conducted by gallant Somali troops was mean to eliminate the threat posed by Al-shabab militants and prevent their plots against the Somali populace.
