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Somali Army Kills 50 al-Shabaab Militants in Coordinated Operation

The Somali National Army killed 50 al-Shabaab fighters in a coordinated operation near Baidoa, destroying vehicles and weapons. The ministry accused former regional leader Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed's militia of collusion with the militants, which he denied. Al-Shabaab claimed to have killed two senior commanders and seized vehicles during the withdrawal. The operation follows similar actions last month that killed 22 militants, including a commander.

Key Points: Somali Army Kills 50 al-Shabaab Militants in Baidoa

  • 50 al-Shabaab militants killed in Baidoa operation
  • Forces destroyed technical vehicles and weapons caches
  • Accusations of collusion with former leader Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed
  • Al-Shabaab claims killing two SNA commanders and seizing vehicles
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Somali army kills 50 al-Shabaab militants

Somali National Army kills 50 al-Shabaab fighters in Baidoa, destroys vehicles and weapons caches, amid accusations of collusion with local militia.

"The government reaffirms that it will never tolerate any individual or group using weapons or armed militias for political purposes or to undermine national security. - Somali Ministry of Defence"

Mogadishu, May 15

The Somali National Army killed 50 al-Shabaab fighters and wounded others during a coordinated military operation on the outskirts of Baidoa in Southwest State, authorities said on Friday.

The Ministry of Defence said the forces destroyed multiple technical battle vehicles, weapons caches, and operational equipment used by the militant group during the assault on Thursday.

The ministry also accused armed militia loyal to the former Southwest State leader Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed of directly colluding with al-Shabaab militants. Mohamed has, however, denied the accusations, Xinhua news agency reported.

"The government reaffirms that it will never tolerate any individual or group using weapons or armed militias for political purposes or to undermine national security. Anyone supporting terrorists or providing them cover will face action in accordance with the law," the ministry said in a statement.

Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the dawn ambush, asserting that its fighters successfully killed two senior SNA commanders and seized four military transport vehicles during the withdrawal.

Last month, Somali armed forces, backed by international partners, killed 22 al-Shabaab militants, including a commander, during targeted operations carried out over the country's southern region.

The Ministry of Defence said on April 29 that the operations, involving ground forces and airstrikes, resulted in the killing of militants in Buulo Cabdalla in the Lower Shabelle region.

Among the dead was Commander Cabdiraxmaan Jeeri, who was known for terrorising the local civilian population.

"The ministry also expresses its appreciation to international partners for their continued support for operations aimed at advancing peace and stability in Somalia," it said in a statement.

The ministry underlined its ongoing commitment to intensifying operations, which are part of a broader strategy to maintain stability by eliminating al-Shabaab terrorists.

The al-Shabaab extremist group was driven out of the capital, Mogadishu, in 2011, but militants are still hiding in rural areas of these regions, conducting ambushes and planting landmines.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Sarah B
Impressive operation by the Somali army. The allegation of collusion with local militias is concerning though. It reminds me of how in some Indian states, political rivalries have led to destabilization. Somalia needs to clean house from within while fighting external threats.
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Vikram M
As someone who follows African affairs closely, I'm skeptical about the exact numbers. 50 kills in one operation sounds high. But what's more important is the political infighting mentioned. In India, we've seen how political instability can fuel insurgency (Punjab in the 80s, J&K). The real battle is for the loyalty of the local population.
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Priya S
I feel for the civilians caught in between. Al-Shabaab is like a hydra - cut one head, two more grow. Somalia needs development and education alongside military action. India's experience in counter-insurgency has shown that you can't just kill your way to peace. But at least they're trying, unlike some countries that just turn a blind eye. 🇮🇳✊
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James A
Interesting to see India's perspective in these comments. I grew up in the US, and our approach to counterterrorism is often very kinetic. But reading the Indian viewpoints here, there seems to be more emphasis on the political and social dimensions. Maybe that's why India has been able to reduce insurgency in places like the Northeast more effectively than we did in Afghanistan.
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Ananya R
The denial by the former leader is predictable. In Indian politics too, when allegations are made against rivals, they always cry conspiracy. But Somalia's problems run deeper - poverty, clan rival

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