MOGADISHU, Somalia – At least 11 Al Shabab militants, including a senior commander, were killed in recent airstrikes in southern and central Somalia.
NISA reported that seven militants were killed on August 12 in Tardo, Hiran, when an airstrike hit a house hosting Al Shabab leaders.
On August 13, security forces struck Daarunimca, Middle Shabelle, killing four fighters, including commander Abdullahi Ganey, active in insurgency operations since 2009.
A third airstrike on August 14 in Noleye, Galgaduud destroyed a weapons truck headed toward militants planning attacks near Ceeldheer.
These air raids follow Al Shabab’s renewed attacks on army bases in Hiran and Middle Shabelle, reclaiming previously lost territory.
Last week, the Somali army said 100 militants were killed during a battle to retake Barire, 60 kilometers west of Mogadishu.
During the Barire fighting, 17 Ugandan soldiers were killed, and several others were injured and treated at the AU peacekeeping hospital in Mogadishu.
Despite being ousted from Mogadishu in 2011, Al Shabab continues deadly attacks, maintaining control over large rural areas in southern and central Somalia.
