Mogadishu (SD) – The Somali National Army’s 143rd October 14th Battalion have launched an operation against Al-Shabaab in Barire village in Lower Shabelle region.

The Somali National Army (SNA) has also launched a targeted operation in Nunay village in Barire district.

The operation was led by the commander of the 143rd Battalion of the 14th October Brigade, Col. Ahmed Hassan Siyad, confirming that during the operation, 16 Al-Shabaab militants were killed.

Commander Ahmed Hassan Siyad said the operation rescued child soldiers who were being trained by Al-Shabaab for the bombings.

The commander said that the number of children rescued from Al-Shabaab are estimated to be 40, adding that the children were abducted by Al-Shabaab militants from different parts of the country.