9 Killed in Military Operation in Somalia

Somali security forces have killed nine militants in a planned military operation in the Hiran region of central Somalia, authorities said, as the country continues intensified counterterrorism efforts.

According to the Somali National News Agency, the operation was carried out on Tuesday by forces from the National Intelligence and Security Agency in coordination with international partners. The strike targeted a gathering of militants in the Tardo area while they were allegedly planning terrorist attacks.

The agency said the operation followed precise intelligence indicating that the militants had set up an illegal checkpoint to extort money from civilians and passing vehicles. Somali officials said the group was neutralized before it could carry out planned attacks.

Somalia commonly refers to the al-Shabab militant group as “Kharijite militias.” The group has waged a long-running insurgency aimed at overthrowing the Somali government and imposing a strict interpretation of Islamic law.

The National Intelligence and Security Agency reaffirmed its commitment to continuing operations against militant elements across the country in an effort to restore security and stability.

In a separate incident, the Somali National Army thwarted a suicide bombing attempt targeting the General Togdheer Military Academy in the capital, Mogadishu.

According to a statement issued by the army’s general command and reported by the national news agency on Thursday, security personnel became suspicious of an individual wearing an explosive vest who attempted to approach the academy’s main gate.

Guards opened fire on the suspect, killing him before he was able to enter the military facility. The explosives he was carrying subsequently detonated, causing minor injuries to several guards due to flying shrapnel.

The army said the high level of vigilance by forces stationed at the gate prevented a potentially deadly attack that could have resulted in significant casualties among military personnel inside the compound. Authorities added that security operations will continue in Mogadishu and surrounding areas to track down individuals seeking to carry out sabotage.