Africa

Security forces kill more than 80 suspected Al Shabaab members in three clashes in Somalia

Security forces kill more than 80 suspected Al Shabaab members in three clashes in Somalia

Somali president applauds the army and says that these victories “are a sign of the weakening” of the terrorist group

Jul 23. (EUROPA PRESS) –

Somalia’s security forces have killed more than 80 suspected members of al-Shabaab, a group linked to the terrorist organisation al-Qaeda, in a series of clashes on Monday following several assaults by the militants in the southern state of Jubaland.

The Somali defence ministry said the group launched three attacks on the towns of Bulo Hayi, Harbole and Mido, without commenting on possible casualties among government ranks, which were supported by Jubaland forces.

He said that the clashes in Bulo Hayi resulted in the deaths of 50 suspects, more than 60 wounded and 15 captured, while 25 militants were killed and more than 30 wounded in Harbole. Finally, seven Al Shabaab members were killed and twelve wounded in Mido.

The Somali Ministry of Defence has stressed that government forces have also seized various weapons and has spoken of a “serious blow” to Al Shabaab, while applauding the performance of security forces in the fighting, according to the Somali state news agency, SONNA.

For his part, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has applauded the army for its operations against the group and has stated that these latest victories “are proof of the weakening of the militants and of the strength and power of the army.”

Somalia has in recent months stepped up offensives against Al Shabaab with the support of clans and local militias as part of a series of decisions taken by the president, who promised upon taking office in May 2022 to put the fight against terrorism at the heart of his efforts to stabilise the African country.

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