Mogadishu, Aug 17 (IANS) Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF) killed at least 30 al-Shabaab militants and captured several others after thwarting an early Monday attack in the central town of Baidoa, according to the Ministry of Defence.
According to the ministry, SNAF positions came under attack at 5 am (0200 GMT) by armed elements using vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices.
The ministry said the attacking force comprised a mix of al-Shabaab militants and militias loyal to the President of Southwest State Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen, Xinhua News Agency reported.
“SNAF responded professionally and decisively, repelling the attack and thwarting the assailants’ attempt to destabilise the security and stability of Baidoa,” the ministry said in a statement.
Military forces seized weapons and vehicles used in the attack and were conducting clearance operations to secure the city and track down remaining fighters in parts of Baidoa, the statement said.
“The Ministry of Defence will provide the Somali public with further details regarding the attack and the outcome of the operation once it has concluded,” it said.
Somali troops have controlled the city since March, when they seized control of Baidoa and prompted the resignation of Laftagareen.
Residents confirmed that heavy fighting erupted in Baidoa on Monday morning as SNAF forces clashed with armed militias loyal to Laftagareen, alongside al-Shabaab elements.
While local opposition figures claimed to have captured the city, military officials denied the claim and confirmed that security operations remained ongoing.
Meanwhile, Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) backed by international partners, killed eight al-Shabaab militants, including three senior commanders, in a targeted operation on Sunday in the central region.
According to a statement released by NISA, the joint operation took place in the Tardo area of the Hiran region and eliminated three high-ranking leaders along with five guarding militiamen, while leaving four others wounded.
“The counter-terrorism operation successfully neutralised high-value targets responsible for regional operational leadership, including the head of eastern Hiran’s extortion network and commanders of both the Jabhada militia and the Fursan wing,” The security agency said in a statement issued in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia.
The joint operations have led to the recapture of several al-Shabaab positions and the destruction of key hideouts and storage facilities, as troops actively pursue remaining fighters.
–IANS
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