Somalia: Al-Shabaab Blows Up Key Bridge as Troops Advance on Strategic Towns  

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The al-Qaeda-linked group in Somalia, the al-Shabaab, blew up a critical bridge in Somalia following intense pressure from the AU Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) and the Somali Army, who are pursuing strategic towns within the country.

According to reports, the militants blew the Barire River bridge after the federal and AUSSOM troops attempted to retake three critical bridges to sustain supplies within the country, a year after the group took them over.

On Monday, Somali government forces, with support from AU forces, also attempted to retake the Anole and Sabid bridges. Still, troops did not report progress after al-Shabaab militants dug deep trenches and forced troops to abort the offensive.

The third bridge in Awdhegle is also still in al-Shabaab hands, with the federal forces and the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) troops working to seize it, given the significance of supporting supplies on the frontlines.

The troops have pitched a tent along the Barire River in the company of Governor Ibrahim Aden Ali Najah to retake the bridges, which are key to the coordination of security within the country. The al-Shabaab usually destroys such infrastructure to impede mobility.

Elsewhere, in coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted an airstrike against ISIS-Somalia on June 13, 2025, which occurred within Bosaso, Puntland.

"AFRICOM, alongside the Federal Government of Somalia and Somali Armed Forces, continues to take action to degrade ISIS-Somalia's ability to plan and conduct attacks that threaten the U.S. homeland, our forces, and our citizens abroad," the command said.

Specific details about units and assets will not be released to ensure continued operational security. However, many fighters attached to the ISIS militants have been subdued in Puntland, with some surrendering along the battlefield within the Cal-Miskaad mountains.

GAROWE ONLINE