MOGADISHU – At least 30 people have been killed in heavy fighting broke out between Somali National Army (SNA) and Al Shabaab fighters near towns in Hiran region.
The fighting flared up near Mahas town, after Somali military forces launched an attack on targets manned by Al Qaeda linked Al Shabaab militants, according military spokesman, Mohamed Nour.
He says the SNA forces attacked villages believed to be militants’ hideouts in the region, adding that at least 30 militants had been killed in the operations.
Mohamed Nour stated the operations had also been carried out near Baladweyne, Matiban and Mahas towns.
“We will continue targeting all areas under control of Al Shabaab. These operations will never end until our brave soldiers eradicate militants”, he said.
There was immediate comment from Al Shabaab over the claims.
With reporting by Abdirisak Mohamud Tuuryare from Mogadishu, Somalia
