Somali Forces, Backed by Local Militias, Kill Over 15 Al-Shabaab Fighters in Operation

MOGADISHU, Somalia - More than 15 Al-Shabaab fighters lost their lives across the country following operations initiated by the Somali National Army (SNA) with critical support from allies, including the local militia, who have been instrumental throughout the push to liberate the country. 

Main operations were carried out along Galgaduud, Lower Shabelle, Lower Juba, and Middle Shabelle, where Al-Shabaab increase of activities has caused panic within and outside the government.  

Abukar Macalin, the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Defence, said several senior leaders were among those killed in the crackdown,  with one of them identified as Ibrahim Abdirahman Sanbuur, who was neutralised around Harboole in the Lower Jubba region.

“In the latest offensives, the national forces, in coordination with local fighters, inflicted significant casualties on the Khawarij,” said Macalin, using a term commonly used by the government to refer to al-Shabaab. 

“An operation in the Xiingaduud area—located between Amara and Qodqod—resulted in the deaths of 11 Khawarij militants. The operation was successfully executed as planned.”

Many other fighters were killed in Mido and Harboole within Lower Jubba, with Sanbuur identified as a key coordinator who has worked with the group since 2010. His death was termed as a 'significant win for the government' in the ongoing war. 

He welcomed the ongoing cooperation between Somali security forces and local communities, praising their shared efforts in dismantling al-Shabaab’s influence in parts of the country. The clan militias are responsible for several defeats inflicted on the militants in central and southern regions, he added. 

“These achievements reflect the strong partnership between our forces and the people. Together, they continue to weaken the Khawarij in every region they operate,” he said.

The fight against Al-Shabaab is being taken as a priority, but critics maintain President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has been preoccupied with the 2026 elections without noting the danger Al-Shabaab poses to the group at a time the country is working on state-building.  

GAROWE ONLINE