BULA FALAY, Somalia – The SNA forces carried out a planned operation targeting various centers of the Al-Shabaab group in Buulo Fulay town of Bay region, Southwest State.
A statement issued by the government said that the SNA targeted administrative offices, a garage for explosives preparation, and a checkpoint manned by Al-Shabaab fighters.
During the operation, the federal government said that 23 members of the Al-Shabaab group, including senior commanders, were killed and dozens have sustained wounds.
This is the third of its kind this month that the Somali government forces have targeted Al-Shabaab centers where the group was preparing explosive vehicles and the other bases.
In August 2022, Mohamud launched a “total war” against al-Shabaab. In the first phase, Somali forces concentrated on the central regions of Hirshabelle and Galmudug, supporting local clans that were rebelling against al-Shabaab.
Though the government offensive has weakened al-Shabaab’s hold on territory, it has not stopped the group’s attacks. In 2022, there was a 41 percent increase in al-Shabaab violence targeting civilians.
Al-Shabaab attacks reached their peak in 2011 when the militants’ controlled parts of the capital city of Mogadishu and the vital port of Kismayo, now under Jubaland state.
