Somali Forces Kill Over 22 Al Shabab Militants in Central Region Operations

Twin operations by Somali forces killed over 22 Al Shabab militants, including senior and financial leaders, in the Mudug and Hiran regions, Somali intelligence (NISA) said. The strikes, supported by the AUSSOM and international partners, aim to dismantle the group’s networks and strengthen security across central Somalia.

Twin military operations conducted in Somalia’s central regions have successfully targeted and killed more than 22 members of the Al Shabab terrorist group, including several senior leaders, according to the Somali National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA). The strikes are part of an intensified campaign by Somali forces to dismantle the network and eliminate remnants of the extremist organization that has long destabilized the country.
The first operation was carried out in the Dumaye area of the Mudug region, where intelligence identified key senior figures of Al Shabab. In this operation, 15 militants were killed, including four high-ranking leaders responsible for planning and directing attacks against Somali security forces and civilians. NISA described this strike as a significant blow to the organizational structure of the group in the region, weakening their operational capabilities.
The second operation took place in the Hiran region of South-Central Somalia and targeted two residential locations known to be sheltering Al Shabab members. This mission resulted in the deaths of approximately seven militants, including two key financial leaders responsible for funding and sustaining the group’s activities. According to NISA, these operations collectively disrupted plots and plans designed to undermine the security and stability of the Somali people.
NISA emphasized that the agency has intensified its operations across the country to “clear the remnants of Al Shabab from all areas where they hide,” reflecting a broader strategic effort to restore security in regions long affected by insurgent activity. Al Shabab has carried out violent attacks against the Somali government, civilians, and security forces for more than 16 years, making it one of the most persistent threats to Somalia’s stability.
Since July of the previous year, the Somali military, in coordination with international partners and supported by the AUSSOM, has intensified military campaigns to push Al Shabab out of strongholds and prevent further terrorist activities. These operations have included airstrikes, targeted raids, and intelligence-led interventions to dismantle the group’s leadership and operational networks.
The United Nations Security Council has continued to support these efforts, renewing the AUSSOM mandate in December to extend its authorization through December 31. The renewal ensures that international support and resources remain available to assist Somali forces in their ongoing mission to stabilise the country, protect civilians, and dismantle extremist networks that threaten peace and security.
These recent operations signal a continued commitment by Somali authorities and their international partners to combat terrorism and reinforce governance in areas historically affected by insurgent control. NISA stated that the focus remains on identifying, targeting, and eliminating leadership figures and operational cells to prevent future attacks and ensure the safety of the Somali population.