Mogadishu, June 27 (IANS) The Somali National Army (SNA) and international partners killed 30 al-Shabaab militants during a joint operation in the Middle Shabelle region of southern Somalia, officials announced on Saturday.

According to the Ministry of Defence, the forces also destroyed two vehicles, weapons, ammunition, and other logistical supplies used by the group to plan terrorist attacks.

The military operations took place on Tuesday and Wednesday, specifically targeting al-Shabaab mobilisation centres and training facilities, Xinhua news agency reported.

The ministry said the targeted locations were actively used by the militant group to store vital military supplies.

“The Ministry of Defence extends its appreciation to the international partners supporting Somalia’s counterterrorism efforts, whose continued assistance has played a significant role in the success of these operations,” the ministry said in a statement.

Al-Shabaab did not comment on the operations, which took place amid intensified ground offensives by Somalia’s elite forces and their international partners.

Last month, the SNA killed 50 al-Shabaab fighters and wounded others during a coordinated military operation on the outskirts of Baidoa in Southwest State.

The Ministry of Defence said the forces destroyed multiple technical battle vehicles, weapons caches, and operational equipment used by the militant group during the assault.

The ministry also accused armed militia loyal to the former Southwest State leader Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed of directly colluding with al-Shabaab militants. Mohamed has, however, denied the accusations.

“The government reaffirms that it will never tolerate any individual or group using weapons or armed militias for political purposes or to undermine national security. Anyone supporting terrorists or providing them cover will face action in accordance with the law,” the ministry said in a statement.

Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the dawn ambush, asserting that its fighters successfully killed two senior SNA commanders and seized four military transport vehicles during the withdrawal.

–IANS

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