Somali National Army eliminates Al-Shabaab leaders in Shabelle region
This latest victory comes just a day after an assassination attempt on Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, whose convoy was targeted by Al-Shabaab militants in Hirshabelle on Tuesday night.
The Somali government has announced the success of a decisive air operation that was conducted in collaboration with the National Intelligence Security Agency (NISA), targeting the leadership of the Khawarij terrorist militia.
In a statement from the Federal Republic's Ministry of Information, the government revealed that the Somali National Army (SNA) had carried out a well-planned assault on the outskirts of the Sumadale area in the Middle Shabelle region.
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The operation, which took place last night, resulted in the elimination of key leaders, including Ahmed Macalin-Leader of the terrorists in the Ceel-Buur district; Abu Salman-Leader of the Ceel-Garas area; Galgaduud; Hussein Ali Badal, leader of the Xiindheere area; Budul Farah Geedi, leader of the Ceel-qooxie area; and Sakariye, leader of the Galgaduud terrorists.
"This operation took place as planned, and all the leaders and militias present in the area were shot dead. The government's special forces were operating on complete intelligence information," read the statement in part.
Others who were killed in the operation launched by the Somali National Army Airforce (CXDS) include Mire Cagdheer, Muse Omar, Mohamed U Rur, and Haji Bashir, who were leaders attempting to convince the community to back the militia.
The state further divulged information about another fierce battle that took place in the areas of Sabiid and Canole, where the Khawarij launched a deadly attack against Somali National Army positions.
"The National Heroes, who were on high alert, immediately repelled the Khawarij attack, with the battle lasting for hours. In the end, the enemy fled the scene with dozens of dead bodies," noted the statement further.
The Somali government then hailed the bravery of the national forces, recognising both the sacrifices made and the achievements against the Khawarij.
"We send our prayers to the heroes who were martyred and those who were injured in that operation. We also commend their achievements against the Khawarij, and we thank our international friends who continue to support us," continued the statement.
The Somali government has been intensifying its military efforts against the Khawarij, who are an extremist Islamic sect that continues to pose a significant threat to national security.
This latest victory follows hot on the heels of an attempted assassination of Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud when his convoy was targeted by the Al-Shabaab militants in Hirshabelle on Tuesday night.
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