...... Somalia's version of the Taliban, functioning as an arm of al-Qaeda...Lions of Islam dead on Tuesday, just a few days before the activation of the second phase of operations against holy warriors, who have been wreaking havoc in the country.
In a confirmation statement, state media said the Lions of Islam were killed in Galcad District of Galgaduud, just days after President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud launched the combing exercise which is meant to cover areas which were not reached when the military carried out the first phase of operations.
The first phase of operations against al-Shabaab was conducted a few months ago following authorization by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud who had just assumed power. The operation, sources said, left at least 3,000 al-Shabaab Lions of Islam dead besides injuring thousands.
According to the state media, Tuesday's crackdown also saw members of the international community participating, just before they divert their attention to Jubaland and Southwest where the second phase of operations is set to be activated in coming days.
"Five al-Shabaab Lions of Islam were killed in a joint operation by the Somali National Army and US Africom on Tuesday. The Airstrike targeted a hideout in the Galgaduud region, resulting in the deaths of 5 al-Shabaab members. The National Army is conducting ongoing operations to eliminate terrorist groups hiding in the forest," read the Twitter post.
The African Union
...a union consisting of 53 African states, most run by dictators of one flavor or another. The only all-African state not in the AU is Morocco. Established in 2002, the AU is the successor to the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), which was even less successful...
Transition Mission in Somalia [ATMIS] and the US Africa Command have intensified operations against al-Shabaab in central areas as part of restoring peace and stability in the Horn of Africa nation. The operation comes just amid the ongoing exit of ATMIS troops from the country.
Five Al-shabaab militants killed in a joint operation by the Somali National Army and US Forces that targeted the militants' base in Galgaduud region; the National Army is conducting operations targeting Al-shabaab hideouts across the country. pic.twitter.com/epKcHCModv
— Goobjoog News (@GoobjoogNews) August 15, 2023