Somalia says Airstrike kills 25 fighters, injures 18 in Hirran operations

The Federal Government of Somalia has provided details of an air operation carried out last night by the Somali National Armed Forces together with international security partners in parts of the Hiraan region.

According to reports the operation targeted members of the Al-Shabaab fighters.

A statement from the Ministry of Defence of the federal Government of Somalia indicated that the airstrike took place in the area of Suullaay approximately 17 kilometers south of the Teedaan area. It added that the targets were militant positions and camps set up by the group in that location.

The Ministry of Defence confirmed that at least 25 fighters were killed in the attack, while 18 others were injured.

The statement also noted that four Al-Shabaab members surrendered to the Somali National Armed Forces. They were identified as Adan Mohamed Jimale alias 1brahim Adan Dahir, Adan Abshir Abdi and Nurow Awid Ali alias Amiir.

In addition, the government said other Al-Shabaab fighters fled from the scene after suffering severe losses and abandoning their weapons.

“This operation is part of the ongoing offensive by the Somali National Armed Forces and their international security partners to weaken Al-Shabaab and hunt down and ultimately eliminate the remnants of the group, in order to ensure the country’s security and stability,” the statement said.

The Ministry of Defence thanked Somalia’s international partners for their support in combating terrorism and reiterated that the Somali Armed Forces will continue operations to pursue and eliminate the militants, in line with the President’s directive to eradicate terrorism from the Country.

Mustaqbal