Somali army with foreign forces strike Al-Shabaab headquarters, destroys bases

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The Somali National Army (SNA) destroyed several bases occupied by the Al-Shabaab militants within Jilib town — the official headquarters of the group, and perhaps the only remaining stronghold within Middle Jubba.

State media reports that the SNA, with the help of international partners, launched strategic airstrikes within Middle Jubba, targeting the group’s fighters. The region is partially under the control of the Al-Shabaab with minimal government control.

"The operation targeted critical sites, including the district headquarters, a guerrilla command center, training camps, an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) manufacturing facility, and the residences of senior leaders Hassan Yaqub and Amin," the statement read.

"All designated targets were successfully destroyed, with significant enemy casualties reported as the government continues to assess the full impact."

Amin and Hassan Yakub are believed to be senior coordinators of the al-Shabaab activities and have been on the run for several years. To counter their influence, the government had marked them as wanted but their whereabouts remain unknown.

Simultaneous operations were also conducted in Ceel Bacad, near the Middle Shabelle-Galgaduud border, and in Mubarak, Lower Shabelle, striking key terrorist positions, the state media further reports.

"The Somali government reaffirmed its determination to eliminate the Kharijites, urging civilians in militant-controlled areas to avoid enemy locations as counterterrorism operations intensify," state media further stated.

The government reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety of Somali citizens while neutralizing threats posed by extremist groups. In the last two months, the local forces with the help of the international partners, have targeted militants in central and southern regions, killing dozens in the process.

GAROWE ONLINE