Southwest state forces kill militants planting IEDs at airport 

The latest operation came barely three days after Al-Shabaab militants attacked key military bases in Barire and Awdhegle in the Lower Shabelle region. The army said over 100 terrorists were killed in the raid.

News Keydmedia Online
5 April 2021

QANSAHDHERE, Somalia – Southwest regional forces have shot and killed two Al-Shabaab members in the southern Somali town of Qansahdhere in the Bay region on Sunday night, a local official said.

Speaking to KON over the phone, Col. Hassan Farah said Al-Shabab fighters were shot dead while planting landmine at the town’s airstrip after they attempted to resist the forces.

Farah said the Southwest state soldiers have successfully removed the landmine which the militants placed on the airport and he added the army will maintain the operations until they secure the area.

The troops foiled the attack after obtaining information from the public. They seized an AK47 rifle and a pistol, an official told KON on condition of anonymity.

The latest operation came barely three days after Al-Shabaab militants attacked key military bases in Barire and Awdhegle in the Lower Shabelle region. The army said over 100 terrorists were killed in the raid.

Somali army backed by AU troops flushed the militants out of Mogadishu in August 2011 and nearby towns, but the group still controlling rural areas and conducting ambushes, and planting landmines.

KEYDMEDIA English