MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia’s government said at least 12 al-Shabab militants were killed in an airstrike carried out early Monday near Baidoa, about 250km south west of the capital, Mogadishu.
The Ministry of Defense said the strike was carried out Gasarta area between Baidoa and Daynunay in Bay region, leaving 12 militants dead and others wounded.
In a statement, the ministry said the operation was part of ongoing efforts to weaken the al-Qaida-linked extremist group and improve security across the country.
“We carried out airstrike operations this morning,” the statement said, adding that such operations will continue to “eliminate the terrorist threat.”
Somali army forces have stepped up military operations in the Bay region in recent weeks. Days earlier, Somali troops clashed with al-Shabab fighters in Daynunay.
The latest air raid comes as President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is in Baidoa, where he is overseeing efforts to form a new administration for the South West state amid ongoing political talks over recent changes in the region.
