Coordinated SNA and Foreign Forces Raid Kills Key Al-Shabaab Figures in Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia - At least 15 Alshabaab fighters were killed in the Hiiraan region, including senior commanders who have been coordinating retaliatory attacks across the country, marking yet another significant gain against the group.

The Somali National Army has been working closely with the US Africa Command and the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), leading to significant gains in the ongoing Al-Shabaab war.

Reports from the Somali National Army indicate that the international partners were involved in the operation, which targeted the militants in Gayacad junction, close to Mabaax, where the fighters were reportedly regrouping.

Conducted in three precise waves overnight, the raid struck militants’ hideouts, neutralizing the threat before they could merge with other cells. Five additional fighters were wounded, and a manhunt is underway for those who fled.

The al-Shabaab militants are fighting to overthrow the fragile UN-backed federal government of Somalia, but their efforts have often met resistance from both the national army, international partners, regional forces, and the clan militias.

Macawislay fighters work closely with the Somali National Army and are responsible for victories against Al-Shabaab in central regions. However, the militants managed to outsmart them in Moqokori, a strategic town within the central regions.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud announced total war against Al-Shabaab militants, but the strategy has often been criticised, with critics accusing him of being preoccupied with internal politics ahead of the 2026 presidential elections.

GAROWE ONLINE