Ethiopian forces claim killing 51 Somalia insurgents

By Tesfa-alem Tekle

August 22, 2008 (ADDIS ABABA) — The Ethiopian ministry of defense on Friday said that Ethiopian forces in Somalia, in a new military operation around the town of Mogadishu this week have killed 51 members of the Al-shababb “terror” group including a top leader of the group Mualim Abdi also locally known as Rambo.

During the operation 20 others were told to be wounded one held and a number of military weapons including two vehicles were seized.

According to the Ministry, an attempt made twice by the group to take control of Kismayo town was thwarted by joint forces of Somalia and Ethiopia.

Four Somalia civilians are also reported to have been killed during the military operation.

Further more on Tuesday, an attempt made by the Al-shababb group to attack AU peacekeepers was foiled and in a counter measure taken afterwards 15 insurgents were killed. The ministry said.

(ST)