20 March 2024
Mogadishu, Somalia – The Somali government announced the killing of approximately 40 al-Shabaab militants in a recent military operation conducted in Lower Shabelle province.
A statement from the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism confirmed the operation, which involved the Somali National Army working with “international partners.”
The exact date of the operation remains unclear, but residents reported activity on Monday night.
The government claims the attack targeted militants planning an assault on civilians in the area, 30 kilometers north of Mogadishu.
Al-Shabaab media outlets released a report contradicting the government’s narrative.
They claimed their fighters killed 18 civilians, including children, and released images of casualties allegedly caused by the government.
VOA (Voice of America) was unable to independently verify claims from either side.
Turkey and the United States have conducted airstrikes against al-Shabaab in the past. The Somali government’s statement did not specify which “international partner” assisted in this operation.
Al-Shabaab alleges Turkish drone involvement in an attack on the village of Baghdad, but offered no evidence.
The conflict between the Somali government and al-Shabaab is ongoing. This recent operation highlights the complexity of verifying information in the region.
