Somalia’s Defence Ministry said on Monday that national armed forces carried out air strikes against Al Shabab terrorists near the city of Baidoa, killing 12 of them and wounding several others.
The strikes were conducted in the Gasarta area on the outskirts of Baidoa.
Baidoa, the administrative capital of South West state, lies about 245 kilometres southwest of Mogadishu.
“These operations form part of ongoing efforts to degrade the operational capabilities of the terrorist group and enhance overall security in the country,” the ministry said.
Somalia ramps up counter-terrorism efforts
It added that Somalia, with support from international partners, remains committed to continuing such operations to eliminate the threat of terrorism and ensure lasting peace and stability.
Al-Shabab has waged terrorism against the Somali government for more than 16 years, frequently targeting security forces, officials and civilians.
Since July, Somali forces, backed by the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia and other partners, have intensified operations against the terrorist group.
The mission’s mandate was renewed for another year by the UN Security Council in December under a UK-backed resolution extending authorisation through December 31.
