MOGADISHU, Sept. 6 — Somali security forces backed by international partners killed 12 al-Shabab fighters, including senior commanders, in a sting operation in the Galgaduud region of central Somalia, officials said Saturday.
The National Intelligence and Security Agency of Somalia said in a statement that 13 other militants were seriously injured in the raid on Friday evening in Ceel-dhiiqo Weyne.
A training camp where more than 400 recruits were undergoing instruction was also destroyed, it said, adding that a major security sweep is underway to track down militants who fled toward a neighboring district.
The operation came a day after al-Shabab claimed to have launched a mortar attack on U.S. forces stationed at Kismayo Airport, a key U.S. logistical hub in southern Somalia.
The group said the strike inflicted heavy casualties among American soldiers and other troops. However, U.S. Africa Command, which oversees American troops on the continent, said there were no injuries or damage to the base during the attack. (Xinhua)
