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             UN Points to Progress in Battling Al-Shabab in Somalia

   by VOA News

   The top U.N. envoy to Somalia says U.S. airstrikes and major ground
   offensives by pro-government forces have led to the liberation of
   nearly 20 Somali towns from al-Shabab militants and have brought the
   country closer to full federal control.

   Special U.N. representative Nicholas Kay, speaking to VOA, cited
   "considerable success" in the 2014 push against the al-Qaida-linked
   al-Shabab. He also noted political progress in ending the nearly
   nine-year uprising.

   Kay's interview came as regional news outlets reported the January 1
   killing of al-Shabab commander Ibrahim Filey near the southern town of
   Kurtun Waarey. U.N.-backed radio Bar-Kulan said three other militants
   were also killed in the confrontation with Somali forces, but the
   report did not provide details.

   On Tuesday, Somali authorities said al-Shabab fighters killed six
   Somali soldiers in Baidoa, in an attack on a military checkpoint about
   250 kilometers west of Mogadishu.

   Separately, the Pentagon confirmed Wednesday that a U.S. airstrike
   killed al-Shabab security chief Tahil Abdishakur on December 29 near
   the town of Saakow.

   A U.S. airstrike in September killed al-Shabab leader Ahmed Abdi
   Godane.
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   [1]http://www.voanews.com/content/un-progress-al-shabab-somalia/2584631
   .html

References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/un-progress-al-shabab-somalia/2584631.html