The Somali government has announced a significant victory against Al-Shabab militants, killing 130 fighters and repelling attacks on four military bases in the central part of the country.
According to Somalia’s Ministry of Information, the militants used explosives to attack the bases in the Middle Shabelle region, but were met with fierce resistance from government troops.
The government forces, supported by local clan militias, have been conducting operations to secure rural villages along the Shabelle River that were recently liberated from Al-Shabab. General Ibrahim Mumin, commander of the 3rd division of the Somali National Army, confirmed that Thursday’s Al-Shabab attacks “failed” due to the defensive barriers erected by the soldiers.
In addition to the 130 Al-Shabab militants killed, at least 20 Islamic State militants were also killed in separate clashes in Somalia’s northeastern Puntland region.
The Puntland police commissioner reported that the Islamic State militants suffered heavy casualties, with all 20 killed being foreigners.
Al-Shabab has been fighting Somali governments since 2007 to impose its strict brand of Islamic law on the country.
The group has been responsible for numerous attacks and bombings, and has been the target of military operations by Somali and international forces.
