Somalia Defense Minister Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur on Thursday, confirmed that a significant blow had been dealt to Al-Shabaab, with more than 150 militants, including several high-ranking commanders, killed in a series of precisely targeted airstrikes.
These operations took place in central Somalia, marking a major success for the Somali government in its ongoing fight against the militant group. The airstrikes were part of a coordinated effort between the Somali National Army (SNA) and international air support, underscoring the collaborative approach being taken to eliminate the group’s strongholds.
Speaking to state-run television, Minister Nur detailed the operation’s success, stating that the strikes had successfully neutralized over 150 Al-Shabaab fighters, including key leaders who were responsible for planning and executing numerous terrorist activities across the region. This significant loss is expected to impact the group’s ability to operate in the region in the short term.
The airstrikes primarily targeted Al-Shabaab militants who were stationed in several districts within the Middle Shabelle region. Among the targeted areas were El-Ba’ad, Labo-Garas, Jambaluul, El-Garas, and Damasha Shabelow. These districts have long been considered the militant group’s strongholds, making them key strategic locations for the operation.
Minister Nur highlighted the importance of this military operation, noting that it not only dismantled the leadership of Al-Shabaab but also significantly disrupted the group’s operations. “Over 150 Al-Shabaab militants have been neutralized, including key planners of terrorist activities,” the minister affirmed. He further stressed the importance of continuing the pressure on the militant group, urging civilians in affected areas to stay away from locations known to be under Al-Shabaab control. “We will continue to strike the enemy wherever they hide,” he warned, reinforcing the government’s commitment to rooting out the group wherever they operate.
The Somali National Army, bolstered by international air support, has escalated its military efforts in recent months, ramping up both air and ground operations aimed at dismantling Al-Shabaab’s influence in Somalia’s rural regions. These coordinated operations are part of a broader strategy to weaken the group’s ability to control territory and launch attacks on both civilian and military targets.
While the government has hailed these strikes as a major success in the fight against Al-Shabaab, the casualty figures and the full extent of the operation’s impact remain difficult to verify independently. Limited access to the conflict zones and the challenges of operating in active combat zones have made it impossible for international observers to confirm the exact number of militants killed or to assess the long-term effects of the airstrikes on Al-Shabaab’s operations.
Nevertheless, the Somali government remains optimistic, and officials have expressed hope that these strikes will be a turning point in their efforts to weaken the militant group’s hold on the country. The fight against Al-Shabaab continues to be a significant challenge, but with international support and sustained military pressure, the Somali authorities are determined to continue their efforts to restore peace and security in the region.
