Somali army kills 25 al-Shabab militants in Middle Shabelle operation

Somali National Army (SNA) killed 25 Al-Shabab militants during a military operation in Ras Qabow, a rural area in the Middle Shabelle region, on Saturday.

The commander of the 251st unit of the 25th brigade, Mohamed Hassan Abukar Dhaladheere, stated that the operation began after Somali forces repelled an attack by the militant group. A fierce battle ensued between the army and the militants.

"The National Army heroes taught a lesson to the Khawarij [a term used by the government for Al-Shabab] after they attempted to attack the army base in Ras Qabow. Twenty-five militants were killed," said Commander Dhaladheere. He added that forces continue to pursue other group members involved in the attack.

The operation comes a few days after SNA forces killed 59 militants in two separate operations in the Galgaduud and Middle Shabelle regions. Working alongside local militias and international partners, the SNA killed 32 militants in the Garilay area and 27 in Yaaqle, near Hawadlay.