Somali Forces Kill Over 22 Al-Shabab Militants in Central Somalia

Intelligence agency says senior leaders and financial operatives were among those killed in coordinated raids. Somali security forces have killed more than 22 Al-Shabab militants , including senior figures, during two coordinated counterterrorism operations in central Somalia , according to the Somali National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) . The first raid took place in the Dumaye area of the Mudug region , where forces targeted senior members of the extremist group. Officials said 15 militants were killed , including four senior leaders . A second operation in the Hiran region targeted two houses used as militant hideouts. About seven fighters were killed , including two key financial operatives responsible for funding Al-Shabab activities . NISA said the operations were aimed at preventing attacks against civilians and government institutions . “These operations resulted in the killing of more than 22 conspirators who were organizing attacks against the security of the Somali people,” the agency said in a statement. The intelligence service added that Somali forces have intensified operations to eliminate remaining Al-Shabab elements from areas where the group continues to operate. Al-Shabab has waged an insurgency against the Somali government for more than 16 years , frequently targeting security forces, officials and civilians. Since July last year , the Somali army — supported by the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) and international partners — has stepped up military operations against the group. The UN Security Council renewed AUSSOM’s mandate in December , extending its authorization until December 31 . Source: Newstimehub Somalia Security Al Shabab Counterterrorism African Union Mission Regional Stability