MOGADISHU, Somalia – Danab Special Forces killed Al-Shabaab militants in the fragile Lower Shabelle region on Monday following a fierce shooting, Somali Army chief Gen. Yusuf Rageh Odowaa said, adding that the latest The meeting was a huge achievement for the security forces.
The army chief said at least seven al-Shabaab militants were killed by the US-trained Danab, adding that several others were wounded and were in the custody of security forces. He said the operation was aimed at those who have supported Al-Shabaab’s activities in the region for some time.
The operation came just hours after the Ugandan People’s Defense Force [UPDF] the troops were attacked by Al-Shabaab militants in a raid that was quickly foiled. Several al-Shabaab militants also lost their lives in the deadly encounter at one of the bases of the AU forces.
Gen. Yusuf Rageh said the military will continue the operation until the militants are driven out of Lower Shebelle, adding that the raids may take longer than initially expected by the armed forces, who have worked closely together. with the troops of the foreign mission.
The army chief praised residents for working with soldiers in the fight against al-Shabaab, saying that the provision of intelligence briefings had borne fruit in several meetings. He also urged the local community to resist the group’s attempts to recruit more young people.
“We are fighting to free our country from these foolish people who are anti-progress. It is our duty to protect the country and I am sure we have made enormous progress towards the course. I urge the security forces to stay focused as we secure the nation, ”he said, noting that seven activists were killed.
He added: “We are making this progress because people are cooperating. The military cannot win on its own and we are grateful for that. But it is important that our people resist attempts to recruit young people into this group that kills for no reason. our people across the country. country. “
Rageh was promoted to the post last year after helping SNA troops conquer several towns in Shebelle and Jubba regions. During his reign, the security forces managed to liberate several strategic points in the areas of Al-Shabaab in Somalia and are on the verge of saving more.
Almost degraded by the joint military operations, al-Shabaab militants targeted military bases and police checkpoints in addition to attacking senior officials and civilians linked to the government. But in the process, several innocent civilians were often killed by the militants.
The latest incident took place in Lower Shabelle, one of the areas considered to be an Al-Shabaab stronghold. However, the Somali National Army recently announced its victory in the region after killing dozens of militants in several strategic villages that are now under government control.
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