Foreign Jihadist killed in Somalia operation

[Deeq A.]

MOGADISHU (Caasimada Online)–Somali army forces launched military offensive against Al-Shabaab militants near the coastal town of Marka, some 91km south of Mogadishu capital.

The military operation was conducted in Jilib Marka area near the town, killing at least 16 militants, including a foreign jihadist fighting alongside Al Shabaab.

Somali army commander, Omar Dheire says the operation was meant to flash Al Shabaab militants out of the town.

He says at least 16 militants, including a foreign jihadist from Afghanistan named as Nasir Al-Jabiri were killed in the operation.

“We are committed to eradicate the group’s fighters in Lower Shabelle region. We will continue such operations until Al Shabaab militants are eliminated”, he said.

There was no immediate comment from Al Shabaab group over the claims.

Earlier last month, Somali army forces, along with African Union peacekeeping troops have re-captured Marka town from Al Qaeda inspired group of Al Shabaab.

Al-Shabab has been waging an insurgency in Somalia for more than 10 years.

A 22,000-strong African Union force is in the country to help the government fight the al-Qaeda-linked militants.

The group has been driven out of many urban areas since 2011, however it still controls territory in rural areas and carries out gun attacks and bombings on military and civilian targets.

Caasimada Online
Mogadishu News Desk
Caasimada@live.com