Somali special forces backed by US forces raided two al-Shabaab checkpoints at which the extremists extort money from commercial vehicles, killing several fighters, Somali intelligence officials said on Wednesday. The officials also said two US air strikes in the area during the overnight raid destroyed an explosive-laden minibus that was prepared for a complex attack on an unspecified location. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to speak to the media.
Governor of lower Shabelle region, Mohamed Ibrahim Bare told media that the security forces killed some terrorist fighters during the operation. He added that the Somali National Army continues military operations at Bufow and KM-60 locations and liberated several areas along the beach in the region according to the governor so far. Al-Shabaab militants face difficulties at this time as Somali National Army backed by the AU forces and International Partners increased operations against the militants in the country.