MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somali army forces have killed five Al-Shabab fighters, including three senior operatives, in a military operation aimed at weakening the extremist group, officials said.
The raid took place along the road between Garasweyne and Moragabey, about 37km west of Hudur, the capital of Bakool region.
Somalia’s Ministry of Defense said the slain leaders were identified as Ibrahim Aliyo, Aden Mohamed and Abdullahi Aden. Troops also seized two AK-47 rifles and other military supplies.
A second operation on Tuesday killed at least six more militants in the Dumaye area near Harardhere in Mudug region.
The ministry said the raid was carried out by Ma’awisley fighters, local militia working alongside the Somali army in operations against Al-Shabab.
Military officials said allied forces also thwarted a suicide attack in Dabagalo, about 35 kilometers northwest of Harardhere.
They praised the continuing efforts of government and local forces and vowed to maintain operations until stability is restored.
Despite ongoing air and ground offensives, Al-Shabab continues to stage deadly attacks on military bases in southern and central Somalia.
Over the past three months, the militants have seized several towns in pre-dawn assaults involving suicide bombings followed by gun battles.
The group still controls large areas of rural territory, including the Middle Jubba region, where its senior leadership has operated since being driven from Mogadishu in 2011.