The National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) on Saturday issued an official statement regarding operations carried out in six major areas in the country. The statement confirmed that 80 Al-shabab militants were killed including fighters ands senior leaders. NISA said that the operations conducted were the main reasons that prevented the relentless attacks the militants were planning to carry out for the past couple of weeks. The operations took place in areas in Lower and Middle Shabelle provinces. NISA said in the statement that Al-Shabab bases were dismantled.
The first airstrike occurred in Sabiid and Caanoole areas in Lower Shabelle province. The airstrike was supported by ground assaults conducted by NISA soldiers and 21 Al-Shabab fighters were killed. The second operation occurred in an area nearby Alkawsar in Middle Shabelle region where senior Al-Shabab leaders were holding a meeting. NISA confirmed that senior Al-Shabab leaders and fighters were killed in the operation. The third operation occurred in Bursha Sheikh in Middle Shabelle region. 19 Al-Shabab militants including fighters and senior leaders were killed.
The fourth operation took place in Bursha Sheikh in Middle Shabelle province. 17 Al-Shabab fighters were killed in the operation. Al-Shabab militants were isolated in an area when the Somali troops targeted them. The fifth operation took place in Aw-Baale in Middle Shabelle province. Motorbike in which Al-Shabab militants were transporting landmines was destroyed. 7 Al-Shabab fighters were also killed. The sixth operation occurred in an area nearby Alkawsar. The local clan forces attacked an area whereby Al-Shabab militants were stationed. NISA conducted an airstrike in nearby Alkawsar area, killing 13 militants. The Somali gov’t has intensified the airstrikes against Al-Shabab militants which weakened its operational capabilities.
