Somalia: US, allies step up anti-terror offensive as al-Shabaab, ISIS pushed back  

The war on terror has intensified in Somalia, with the US military joining local forces in liberating strategic towns both in the northern regions and the southern parts of the Horn of Africa nation.

While the Al-Shabaab group made gains in recent months, the US Africa Command, in close collaboration with the Somali National Army (SNA), has managed to repulse attacks in strategic towns, leading to the deaths of several fighters.

The US Africa Command confirmed an airstrike against the Al-Shabaab on August 30th, 2025, within the Middle Shabelle region, which is the epicentre of the ongoing offensives against the group.

"In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike against al Shabaab on Aug. 30, 2025. The airstrike occurred in the Shabelle Region of Somalia, approximately 50 km southwest of Mogadishu," read the statement.

"AFRICOM, alongside the Federal Government of Somalia and Somali Armed Forces, continues to take action to degrade al Shabaab's ability to threaten the U.S. homeland, our forces, and our citizens abroad. Specific details about units and assets will not be released to ensure continued operational security."

In Puntland, the local troops, with assistance from the US Africa Command and the United Arab Emirates, intensified their operations against ISIS militants, killing several fighters in the ongoing military operations.

According to the counterterrorism teams, several militants were flushed out from the Calmiskaad mountains, which have been the battlefield for the Operation Lightning. Many militants have also been captured by the local forces.

"In the past 12 hours, our forces have been conducting operations between Carabi and Kal-Idaad in Baallade Valley. Fleeing ISIS terrorists are being flushed from their hideouts — some killed, others pursued. Fighting continues," the military reported.

Both ISIS and al-Qaida-linked operatives — Al-Shabaab have been deliberately fighting to topple the fragile UN-backed federal government of Somalia. However, the strong military operations against the groups have significantly shaped the war in recent weeks.

GAROWE ONLINE