MOGADISHU, Somalia — The Somali National Army has launched Operation Banoodo to target Al-Shabaab militants operating in areas of Somalia’s Southwest State, the Defense Ministry said.
The ministry said Somali National Army forces, particularly the elite Danab commandos, carried out a planned operation on the outskirts of Leego in the Bay region, where they clashed with militants who attempted to block the troops’ advance.
Seven Al-Shabaab militants were killed and several others wounded during the confrontation, according to the ministry. The troops also seized various types of weapons carried by the militants, the statement said.
The ministry added that the army was continuing operations to pursue Al-Shabaab members who fled the area during the fighting.
It congratulated the Somali National Army on the operation, describing the initial results as a significant achievement in ongoing efforts to combat the militant group.
Somalia, however, has continued military operations against Al-Shabaab terror group, which has waged an insurgency against the people of Somalia and the federal government for more than 15 years.
