The Somali government, in collaboration with international allies and local militias, has announced the execution of three military operations against the al-Shabab militant group, resulting in the deaths of about 80 members and injuries to dozens more. These operations took place in the southern and central regions of Somalia, targeting militants allegedly planning significant attacks during Ramadan. Deputy Information Minister Abdirahman Yusuf Adala noted the operations aimed to prevent terrorist activities scheduled for an important date in the Ramadan calendar.
Details on the specific locations and outcomes of these operations were provided, indicating engagements in Galmudug, Hirshabelle, and Southwest regional states. The involvement of the Somali National Army, supported by the United States, Turkey, and African Union members, was crucial to the success of these missions.
The first operation, near Harardhere in the Mudug region, was initiated following intelligence about a potential al-Shabab mobilization for an attack. Harardhere District Commissioner Mohamed Yusuf Kulmiye reported the engagement led to over 40 militant casualties, with the Somali forces suffering 10 fatalities. The second and third operations occurred in Fiqaay forest and areas under Wajid district in the Bakool region, respectively, with additional al-Shabab members killed and military equipment destroyed.
These military actions follow a recent al-Shabab attack on a Somali military base in the Lower Shabelle region, highlighting the ongoing conflict between government forces and the militant group. The reported operations and their outcomes underscore the continued efforts by the Somali government and its partners to counter al-Shabab’s influence and activities in the region.
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