MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Turkish F-16 fighter jets carried out a series of air strikes against Al-Shabaab targets in southern Somalia on Tuesday, killing about 35 militants and wounding more than 20 others, Somali Defense Ministry said.
Wararka Soomaaliya
The strikes, conducted in coordination with the Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF), targeted caves, weapons caches and militant hideouts in the Godey area of the Lower Shabelle region, the ministry said, describing the operation as part of ongoing efforts to combat the Al-Qaeda-linked insurgent group.
“The Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF), in coordination with the Armed Forces of the Republic of Türkiye, conducted a series of airstrikes this morning using F-16 fighter aircraft in the Godey area of Lower Shabelle, targeting caves, weapons caches and hideouts used by Al-Shabaab terrorists,” the ministry said in a statement.
“The airstrikes eliminated approximately 35 Al-Shabaab terrorists, while more than 20 others sustained serious injuries,” the ministry added.
Faahfaahinta
The ministry said a series of large secondary explosions followed the strikes, indicating the presence of weapons stockpiles, explosive materials and other military supplies at the targeted location.
“Following the strikes, a series of large secondary explosions occurred at the targeted site, indicating the presence of weapons stockpiles, explosive materials and enemy military supplies. The site was also occupied by militants and vehicles loaded with explosives that had been prepared for use in terrorist attacks against Somali civilians,” the ministry said.
The ministry also thanked Somalia’s international partners for their continued support in counterterrorism operations.
Saamaynta
“The Ministry of Defence extends its appreciation to Somalia’s international partners for their continued support in the fight against and eradication of terrorism,” the statement said.
There has been no independent confirmation of the government’s claims.
The air strikes came on the eve of Somalia’s Independence Day celebrations on Wednesday, when the country marks the anniversary of southern Somalia’s independence from Italy and its union with the northern territories, which gained independence on June 26, 1960, four days earlier.
Wararka.so waxay kuu soo tebineysaa wararka ugu dambeeyey ee Soomaaliya iyo caalamka. Si aad ula socoto wararkii ugu dambeeyey, booqo boggayaga.
