Somalia’s army chief survives bombing; 52 militants killed in Ops
MOGADISHU, Somalia – In what could be a major step towards taking security responsibility in Somalia, the Somali National Army [SNA] continued a force against Al-Shabaab over the weekend, claiming victories in two separate operations in central and southern parts of the country.
Al-Shabaab still controls large parts of the countryside in central and southern Somalia, but the group has lost significantly in recent months due to exciting operations by security forces, mostly SNA troops with the help of those serving in AMISOM.
In its Twitter account, the SNA team confirmed that it killed 15 militants on Friday in Gal-labashiir in Middle Shabelle, in an attack that left 20 militants seriously injured. This was one of the major operations in as many months within the country.
“Somalia’s national army killed 15 al-Shabaab terrorists, including leaders, more than 20 were injured. In the operation, the Somali army captured weapons in Gal-labashiir, the Middle Shabelle region,” the SNA said in a statement.
On Saturday, troops continued their operations in the central parts of the country within Galkayo-Harareey, a city that has been under constant al-Shabaab attack in recent months. The city is located in the state of Galmadug.
During the operation, the SNA said, at least 37 militants were killed, bringing the number to 52 in just 24 hours. Two attackers were captured during the operation and must now be in military prison for further investigation.
“SNA troops carried out a planned attack on Galkayo-Harareey where the militants were stationed. At least 37 militants were killed during the operation while two others were captured,” the SNA added.
Al-Shabaab, for its part, claimed that SNA Commander Gen Odawaa Yusuf Rageh survived a bomb attack in Middle Shabelle. The top military officer was in the combat team that has led operations in the country.
The SNA did not confirm or deny the alleged bombing of Chief of Defense General Yusuf Rage Odowaa, but it is clear he was on the battlefield. The 35-year-old general is one of the youngest military commanders in the young army, which is being rebuilt after years of turmoil.
At the same time, reports from the Qooqani area in Jubaland indicate that a landmine explosion was aimed at a senior Jubaland security commander named Aidid Abdullahi. The commander and seven of his soldiers have died as a result of the explosion.
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