Al-Shabaab militants suffer huge losses in Somalia’s Jubaland
MOGADISHU, Somalia – Jubaland security forces [JSF] repelled an al-Shabaab attack over the weekend, in what could be one of the most gradual gains for regional security officers in recent months, giving hope in the fight against the militants.
According to military sources, the militants were preparing an assault on Kudha in the Lower Juba region, but they received a heavy blow when security forces responded immediately after an alert.
Jubaland security forces have been aided by the Somali National Army [SNA] which also guards the area. At least 60 Al-Shabaab militants died instantly, and several others suffered immense injuries, according to a senior military official.
Major Daud Abukar, who is the commander of the SNA in the region, said the militants wanted to crush two military bases. He said they had had a hard time attacking the military, which was apparently ready to take on the militants.
In a separate operation, two top al-Shabaab commanders were killed, according to the head of the Somali National Army. Those killed included Ali Kamiil and Xanbaleey, the Somali National Army said in a tweet.
“SNA troops carried out an operation earlier today against Al-Shabaab terrorists. We received reports that the terrorists were clustered outside Sabiid and Canoole. Our brave soldiers killed 60 terrorists along with their commanders, including Ali Kamiil and Xanbaleey, ”SNA said.
In recent months, the SNA force has carried out operations across the country, killing more than 600 militants during the same period. This comes a few days before the official exit of AMISOM troops from the Horn of Africa country.
Al-Shabaab has fought for 14 years to overthrow the fragile Somali administration backed by the UN. If the militants managed to seize several cities, they have however suffered heavy defeats in recent weeks.
AXADLETM
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