Somalia Neutralizes 17 al Shabaab Commanders

Somalia’s Information Minister, Daud Aweis, said 17 al Shabaab commanders were neutralized in six months and reaffirmed ongoing counterterrorism efforts, offering amnesty to fighters who surrender. Operations against the group have intensified with support from the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia, whose mandate was extended by the United Nations Security Council through December 31.

Somalia’s Minister of Information, Daud Aweis, announced on Sunday that 17 commanders belonging to the militant group al Shabaab had been “neutralized” over the past six months as part of ongoing security operations. In a statement shared on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, Aweis reiterated the federal government’s determination to intensify its counterterrorism campaign and dismantle the group’s leadership structure.
The minister emphasized that while the government remains firm in its military approach against active fighters, it is also offering a pathway for reconciliation. According to his statement, members of al-Shabaab who voluntarily renounce violence and enroll in official rehabilitation programs would be granted amnesty. He noted that this dual strategy — combining military pressure with reintegration opportunities — is aimed at weakening the group while encouraging defections.
Al Shabaab, which is affiliated with al-Qaeda, has carried out numerous mass-casualty attacks in Somalia and neighboring countries over the past 16 years. The group has targeted both security forces and civilians in bombings, assassinations, and coordinated assaults, contributing to prolonged instability across the Horn of Africa.
Since July of last year, the Somali National Army has significantly escalated its operations against al Shabaab. These efforts have been conducted with the support of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia, as well as other international partners assisting the federal government in security and stabilization initiatives.
In December, the mission’s mandate was renewed by the United Nations Security Council for an additional year. The renewal followed the adoption of a resolution backed by the United Kingdom, extending the mission’s authorization through December 31, thereby ensuring continued international support for Somalia’s counterterrorism and stabilization efforts.