MOGADISHU – The Somali army neutralized 16 Al-Shabaab terrorists on Tuesday during an operation in the Hiiraan region, according to the Somali news agency SONNA.
The Somali army, along with local forces, conducted a large-scale operation in the area to push back the Al-Shabaab terror group, which is affiliated with Al-Qaeda, SONNA reported.
Somali security forces gained control of several strategic sites, including Beera Yabaal, Buur Abooto, Eega Galmaay, Jidcilaan, and Cadow Gureey.
The military stated that the ongoing operation aims to fully liberate Somalia from terrorist groups and ensure long-term peace and security for its population.
This Horn of Africa nation has faced insecurity for years, with major threats stemming from Al-Shabaab and the ISIS terrorist group. Since 2007, Al-Shabaab has been engaged in combat against the Somali government and African Union peacekeeping forces stationed in the country.
