SNA chief says top Al-Shabaab commanders among over 60 killed as military descends on group

As Somalia inches towards election date, an intensive military operation was launched by the Somali National Army [SNA] with the support of the US Africa Command against Al-Shabaab fighters resulting in killing one of their top commanders, according to the state media.

SNA chief Gen. Odowaa Yusuf confirmed to State Media that “Over 60 Alshabab terrorists were killed in a planned security operation conducted by Somali National Army with support of airstrikes of Somalia’s security partners in Fiidow village of Hiiraan region on Tuesday,”

State media also reported that the operation in Central Somalia claimed over 60 members of the Al-Qaeda affiliated group.
This operation comes days after US Africa Command head Gen Stephen Townsen visited Baled-dogle airbase and another forward operating base [FOB] near Kismayo.

Online news vendor reported that besides the top commander whose name is yet to be revealed due to verification processes, five other top leaders were killed in the operation.

Al-Shabaab group has been carrying out attacks against senior government officials, security forces, and civilians across the country in recent weeks. At Beletwyene in Central Somalia, the group killed over 13 people following a bomb blast that targeted a tea shop. The incidents have been condemned globally, with allies vowing to support the country to fight terrorism.