Somali forces kill 4 militants near Wajid operation

[Deeq A.]

MOGADISHU (Caasimada Online)—Somali army forces have launched an operation against Al-Shabaab fighters near Wajid town, about 302 kilometers northwest of capital Mogadishu.

The operation was carried out in Lafoole area, some 30km away from Wajid town, killing at least 4 Al Qaeda inspired group of Al Shabaab fighters, according to a military official, who asked to be anonymous.

He says the military forces targeted a senior Al Shabaab commander, whose name has been released as Mo’alim Derow and his guards.

“We have killed Derow and 3 of his bodyguards during the operation carried out in Lafoole area, some 30km away from Wajid town”, he said.

He added Somali forces had taken away 4 Ak-47s from the group’s fighters.

There was no immediate response from Al Shabaab over the claims.

The Al-Qaeda linked Shabaab was pushed out of the Somali capital in 2011 — and subsequently other towns and cities — by soldiers from the African Union Mission in Somalia.

Somalia has been mired in violence and lawlessness since early 1990s when dictator Mohamed Siad Barre was toppled.

Caasimada Online

Mogadishu News Desk

Caasimada@live.com