Over 30 Al-Shabaab militants have been killed in a joint operation in Bulunagaad, Lower Shabelle, Somalia.
In a statement, African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) says the early Thursday, January 15 morning operation was supported by air assets, resulting in the killings of the 30 terrorists, with several others injured.
The militants, the statement says, had earlier attacked the Somali National Army (SNA) and AUSSOM forces while they were conducting pursuit operations against remnants of Al-Shabaab fighters dislodged from the coastal towns of Gendershe and the Jilib-Marka axis, during SNA-led operations codenamed Operation Hidden Sword.
“The SNA, AUSSOM, and partners acted swiftly and decisively to neutralize terrorist threats targeting security forces and civilians in the area,” AUSSOM says.
The joint operation was conducted by the Somali National Army (SNA), in coordination with the AUSSOM, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), and international partners.
The SNA and AUSSOM have since assured that they remain committed to protecting civilian lives, maintaining security, and ensuring the safe movement of humanitarian assistance and logistics supplies to local communities.
“Joint forces will continue operations to degrade Al-Shabaab’s operational capabilities and to promote lasting peace, stability, and security in Somalia,” AUSSOM adds.
