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Government forces, with airstrike support, kill at least 70 Al-Shabaab militants in a renewed offensive to reclaim territory and restore security
The Somali National Army (SNA), with support from local militia fighters, successfully stopped a major attack by Al-Shabaab militants in the Sabiib and Canole areas of Lower Shabelle on Monday. Government officials confirmed that at least 30 militants were killed during the battle.
The Ministry of Defense spokesman, Sheikh Abukar Mohamed, stated that the army was well-prepared and managed to defend their positions effectively.
“Our forces were ready and acted swiftly. We have the bodies of the militants who were killed in the operations,” he said.
In addition to this ground battle, an airstrike was carried out in the same region, targeting Al-Shabaab fighters. The strike killed at least 40 more militants, according to the spokesman.
The airstrike was reportedly carried out with the help of international partners, but the Ministry of Defense did not provide further details about the aircraft or the foreign involvement.
These actions are part of the Somali government’s ongoing military campaign to remove Al-Shabaab from its remaining bases in the Shabelle region. The government has recently increased its military efforts, using both ground attacks and airstrikes to weaken the militant group’s ability to operate.
Since the offensive began last year, the Somali government has regained control of several areas in the Hirshabelle, Galmudug, and Lower Shabelle regions. However, Al-Shabaab remains a serious threat, as they continue to launch surprise attacks in both rural and urban areas.
The government has pledged to continue its operations until Al-Shabaab is completely defeated. Officials have urged citizens to cooperate with security forces to help identify and eliminate any remaining militant threats. Meanwhile, the Somali people remain hopeful that these efforts will bring lasting peace and security to the country.