Somali army kills extremists during clashes with al-Shabaab
MOGADISHU, Somalia – At least seven militants have been killed and dozens wounded during army operations against Al-Shabaab in the Gedo region on Friday amid rising tensions in areas near the Kenyan border.
In a speech to Garowe Online, the Somali army’s operations commander in the province of Col Aden Abdi said the attack was launched following a tip-off about the presence of militants on the outskirts of Garbaharey.
“Our gallant soldiers have successfully neutralized 7 terrorists in the operation and are now advancing towards the areas still under Al-Shabaab control,” Aden said.
The latest military operation comes as the Somali government deploys additional troops to the region to consolidate its power following reports of a planned attack by Jubaland forces along with their main ally, the Kenyan military.
Jubalan’s security minister Abdirashid Janan was reported to have metabolized forces in Somalia – Kenya border areas in an attempt to recreate cities in the Gedo region from the SNA.
The Somali government last week accused Kenya of arming militias in Mandera town in preparation for an attack on the Beled-Hawo district, where Somali military troops are stationed. However, Nairobi has denied the allegations as baseless.
AXADLETM
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