Somalia Kills 28 Al Shabab Militants in Coordinated Security Operations

Somalia’s security forces, supported by international partners, killed 28 Al Shabab militants, including senior commander Abdirahman Abdi Mudallib, during coordinated operations in the Hiran and Middle Shabelle regions. The operation targeted a gathering of militants allegedly preparing attacks, as part of ongoing efforts to weaken the Al Qaeda-linked group and improve security across the country.

Somalia has intensified its fight against terrorism, carrying out coordinated security operations that resulted in the deaths of 28 Al Shabab militants in the Hiran and Middle Shabelle regions, according to an official statement released on Tuesday.
Among those killed was Abdirahman Abdi Mudallib, a senior Al Shabab operative in the Hiran region, who was targeted in an airstrike alongside five other militants. Somali authorities described Mudallib as a key figure within the terrorist network, accusing him of playing a central role in organising and planning attacks in the Buulo-burde and Jalalaqsi districts.
The Somali National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) stated that intelligence reports had revealed that nearly 70 Al Shabab fighters had assembled approximately three kilometres south of Masaajid Cali Gaduud town. The militants were reportedly armed with a range of weapons and were allegedly preparing activities aimed at undermining security and stability in the Middle Shabelle region.
Following the intelligence assessment and confirmation of the gathering, Somali security forces, working in coordination with allied partners, launched a carefully planned operation targeting the group.
“Once confirmed, forces and their partners launched a targeted operation that eliminated 23 terrorists,” the agency said in its statement.
Officials noted that the operation formed part of an ongoing nationwide campaign aimed at dismantling Al Shabab’s operational capabilities and preventing future attacks. The government referred to the militants as “khawaarij,” a term it frequently uses to describe the Al Qaeda-linked extremist group.
Authorities said the latest operation reflects Somalia’s continued determination to eliminate terrorist threats and strengthen security across the country. The government has repeatedly pledged to intensify military and intelligence efforts against Al Shabab as part of broader initiatives to restore peace and stability.
Al Shabab has waged a violent insurgency against the Somali government for more than 16 years, carrying out numerous attacks targeting military personnel, government officials, public institutions, and civilians. The group remains one of the most significant security challenges facing Somalia and the wider Horn of Africa region.
In response to the persistent threat, the Somali National Army has increased military operations since July last year, supported by the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) and several international partners. These efforts are intended to assist the federal government in reclaiming territory, weakening militant networks, and improving security conditions in affected regions.
The international community has continued to back Somalia’s security initiatives. Last December, the United Nations Security Council renewed AUSSOM’s mandate for an additional year through a resolution supported by the United Kingdom, extending the mission’s authorisation until December 31 of this year.
The renewed mandate allows AUSSOM to continue supporting Somali security forces in counterterrorism operations, stabilisation efforts, and the long-term objective of building sustainable peace and security throughout the country.