JOWHAR, Somalia – The Somali government has confirmed that at least 20 Al-Shabaab militants were killed in a battle that took place yesterday in the Boos-Hareeri area of the Middle Shabelle region.
The fighting reportedly began on Friday when Al-Shabaab launched an attack on positions held by Somali government forces in the region, after which they took control of the area.
A statement released by the Federal Government of Somalia confirmed that both government forces and local Macawisley fighters seized vehicles and military equipment from the Al-Shabaab fighters involved in the attack.
This clash is part of the ongoing conflict in various regions of Somalia, where government and local forces continue to battle Al-Shabaab militants.
In a separate development, the President of HirShabelle, Ali Gudlawe, confirmed that Al-Shabaab militants were also responsible for an attack yesterday that resulted in the death of a senior Somali military officer, Major Abukar Abdulle Raage Gar-Maqaate.
The attack took place near Boos-Hareeri and also resulted in the deaths of several soldiers accompanying the officer. Al-Shabaab later displayed weapons and vehicles they claimed to have taken from the scene of the attack.
