Somalia neutralises over 40 extremist group members in major operations

Somali security forces have neutralised 48 members of the Al-Shabaab extremist group in a significant counterterrorism operation.

The operations, targeting the group's strongholds in the Central Shabelle and Hiran regions, were carried out by the Somali National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), Caliber.Az reports per Turkish media.

NISA announced the success of these large-scale operations, which led to the elimination of 48 Al-Shabaab militants, including key figures from the group's senior leadership. The statement confirmed that the operations, which involved three separate missions, were aimed at dismantling the group's infrastructure and leadership in the central regions of Somalia.

The move comes as part of ongoing efforts by the Somali government to combat the persistent threat posed by Al-Shabaab, which has been responsible for numerous attacks in the region. The neutralisation of these 48 militants marks a significant victory in Somalia's fight against terrorism, although challenges remain as the country continues to grapple with the ongoing presence of Al-Shabaab in several regions. 

Al-Shabaab is a militant extremist group based in Somalia. It emerged in the mid-2000s as a splinter faction of the Union of Islamic Courts (UIC). The group is affiliated with al-Qaeda and seeks to establish an Islamic state in Somalia, using a strict interpretation of Sharia law. Al-Shabaab has been responsible for numerous attacks, both within Somalia and in neighbouring countries, including deadly bombings and assassinations. It controls large areas in southern and central Somalia and has been involved in an ongoing insurgency against the Somali government, African Union peacekeeping forces, and other regional actors. The group is recognised as a terrorist organisation by several countries and international bodies.

By Naila Huseynova