Al-Shabaab commander killed in Hiraan, Somali officials say

At least one Al-Shabaab commander was killed  heavy fighting between the militants and Somali National Army (SNA) in the outskirt of Beledweyne town, the capital of Hiraan region of central Somalia on Friday night.

Beledweyne district commissioner, Mohamed Moalim Qalafow said SNA carried out security operations in several villages in the region that targeted Al-Shabaab fighters.

“The key operation occurred at Luuq Jeelow village, several kilometers east of the town, we killed one Al-Shabaab commander who is identified as Abdi Ali Lalana who was head of tax collection. There was resistance, but no casualties on our side,” Qalafow said.

He added that residents took a lion’s share in the latest operation against Al-Shabaab and contributed useful information that led to this successful operation.

Somali National Army backed by the African Union peacekeeping troops have stepped up security operations against Al-Shabaab in the south and central Somalia this year.