...... the Islamic version of the old Somali warlord...holy warriors were killed on Saturday in a military operation in Somalia’s southern regions barely a day after the terrorist group claimed more than 20 lives in a deadly attack.
Somali National Army (SNA) forces senior commander said Sunday the forces conducted an offensive against al-Shabaab in Wanlaweyn town in Lower Shabelle region.
"Our forces advanced to take control of areas from al-Shabaab holy warriors. We killed 15 of them and captured Yaq Buraweyne, Madah Marodi and Idow Jalad villages," SNA commander in charge of the 35th division Mohammed Abdullahi Arale said.
He added that the forces will proceed with the operations until they drive the holy warriors out of the entire Lower Shabelle region.
Residents said they heard the sound of a heavy shootout between the holy warriors and the army.
"A fierce battle broke out in Yaq Buraweyne village between government forces and al-Shabaab bully boys, both sides fought for a while but government troops are now in the town and the holy warriors withdrew from it," Jamal Ga’al , a local resident told Xinhua by phone.