Somali National Army (SNA) said it killed 17 al-Shabab militants on Wednesday and injured 23 others in a fierce fight in the outskirts of Baidoa town in the southern region of Bay, a military officer confirmed on Thursday.
Speaking to journalists, Mohamed Abdullahi, commander of SNA’s 60th Unit said that al-Shabab militants launched an attack on a base run by Somali army in Daynunay village, but the forces repulsed them.
“The militants’ attempt to overrun the base was foiled as the army fought them bravely killing 17 of them including three senior officials and injuring 23 others,” Abdullahi said.
He added that four government soldiers including a senior official were killed during the fierce fight between the army and the militants.
Government forces have intensified operations against al-Shabab extremists in the southern regions in recent days, but the militants are still hiding in the rural areas of those regions and are conducting ambushes and planting landmines.
