Somali Army Kills 15 Militants in Airstrike on al-Shabaab Stronghold in Somalia
Air operation with international partners targets militants planting roadside bombs along strategic routes in Somalia
- Somali forces carried out a targeted airstrike that killed 15 militants from al-Shabaab in the Middle Shabelle region
- The operation, conducted with international partners, reportedly destroyed weapons and a vehicle being prepared for attacks on civilians
- Authorities say intensified military offensives across Somalia aim to weaken insurgents and secure major supply routes
The Somali military has killed at least 15 militants from al‑Shabaab in a targeted airstrike in southern Somalia, the country’s Defence Ministry announced on Sunday.
According to officials, the operation conducted with support from international partners struck fighters who were reportedly planting roadside bombs in the Middle Shabelle region. Authorities said the strike destroyed a vehicle and weapons believed to be intended for attacks on civilians along a strategic roadway.
The ministry described the airstrike as a pre-emptive operation aimed at neutralising an imminent threat along a key supply route used by civilians and security forces.
Al-Shabaab, an al-Qaeda-linked militant group, has waged a prolonged insurgency against Somalia’s federal government for more than 16 years, carrying out bombings and coordinated assaults targeting security personnel, public officials and civilians.
Since July, Somali forces have intensified counter-terrorism operations against the group with backing from international allies and regional troops, including coordination with the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia, which supports security and stabilisation efforts across the country.
In December, the United Nations Security Council renewed the mission’s mandate for another year, reinforcing continued international support for Somalia’s ongoing fight against militant insurgents.
