Somalia Forces Kill 27 Al Shabaab Militants in Major Southern Operation

Somalia’s army, supported by regional forces and international partners, carried out a major operation in southern regions, killing 27 Al Shabaab militants, including key members. Weapons and explosives meant for civilian attacks were also recovered. Authorities say operations will continue as efforts intensify, with backing from the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia, whose mandate was recently extended by the United Nations Security Council.

Somalia’s Ministry of Defense announced on Tuesday that the country’s national army, working in close coordination with regional security forces, carried out a large-scale military operation across parts of the southern provinces. According to the official statement, the offensive resulted in the killing of 27 members of Al Shabaab, including several senior and key operatives believed to play significant roles within the group’s structure.
The ministry explained that the operation was strategically executed in multiple المناطق located within the districts of Jilib, Hagar, and Afmadow, all of which fall under the Middle and Lower Juba regions. These areas have long been identified as strongholds for Al Shabaab activities. The القوات on the ground reportedly advanced methodically, targeting known تجمعات and hideouts of the militant group as part of a coordinated effort to weaken its operational capacity in the الجنوب.
In addition to the ground assault, the statement highlighted that airstrikes were conducted simultaneously with support from international partners. These air operations were carried out in parallel with the advancing ground troops, significantly increasing the pressure on Al Shabaab fighters who were attempting to conceal themselves in remote and קשה-to-access locations. The combination of aerial and ground القوة was described as a critical factor in the success of the mission, ensuring that militants had limited opportunity to escape or regroup.
The Defense Ministry further revealed that the القوات involved in the operation succeeded in seizing a range of weapons and military equipment that had been stockpiled by the group. Among the recovered items were landmines and other explosive devices that Al Shabaab had allegedly planned to deploy in attacks targeting المدنيين, as well as security personnel. Officials noted that the confiscation of these materials represents a significant خطوة in preventing future acts of violence and safeguarding local communities.
Reaffirming its commitment to national security, the ministry stated that the Somali National Armed Forces will continue its operations to track down and eliminate remaining عناصر of Al Shabaab. The goal, it emphasized, is to ensure sustained stability, restore peace in affected regions, and guarantee the safety and well-being of civilians living across the country.
Al Shabaab has been engaged in a длительный insurgency against the Somali government for more than 16 years, carrying out frequent and often deadly attacks on security forces, government officials, and innocent civilians. The group has remained one of the most persistent security challenges facing Somalia, particularly in rural and المناطق that are difficult for government forces to fully control.
Since July, Somali القوات, supported by the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia as well as other international partners, have intensified their military campaign against the group. These усилия are part of a broader strategy by the federal government to dismantle Al Shabaab’s network and reassert state authority in regions previously dominated by insurgents.
The mandate of the mission was renewed for an additional year in December by the United Nations Security Council. The extension was granted under a resolution backed by the United Kingdom, authorizing the continuation of operations through December 31. This renewal underscores the international community’s ongoing commitment to supporting Somalia in its борьба against терроризм and in its efforts to achieve long-term peace and stability.