Somali security forces have killed more than 22 Al-Shabab militants, including senior figures, during two coordinated counterterrorism operations in central Somalia, the Somali National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) said.
The first operation was carried out in the Dumaye area of the Mudug region, where forces targeted senior members of the extremist group. Officials reported that 15 militants were killed, including four senior leaders.
A second raid in the Hiran region struck two houses believed to be militant hideouts. Around seven fighters were killed, among them two key financial operatives responsible for funding Al-Shabab activities.
According to NISA, the operations were aimed at preventing planned attacks against civilians and government institutions.
“These operations resulted in the killing of more than 22 conspirators who were organizing attacks against the security of the Somali people,” the agency said in a statement.
Authorities added that Somali forces have intensified counterterrorism operations to eliminate remaining Al-Shabab fighters from areas where the group still operates.
Al-Shabab has waged an insurgency against the Somali government for more than 16 years, frequently targeting security forces, officials and civilians.
Since July last year, the Somali army — with support from the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) and international partners — has stepped up operations against the group. The UN Security Council renewed AUSSOM’s mandate in December, extending it until December 31.
Source: Newstimehub
