Somali government forces, suppoed by regional troops, have eliminated 27 fighters from the Al-Qaeda-linked Al-Shabaab group during a major offensive in the semi-autonomous Jubaland region.
Details of the Operation
The operation focused on areas around Jilib, Hagar, and Afmadow. Ground forces advanced on militant positions, while airstrikes from international paners provided parallel suppo. Officials confirm that key members of the terrorist group were among those killed.
Troops also seized weapons and military equipment, including BKM machine guns, RPGs, AK-47 rifles, and landmines intended for use against civilians.
Recent Leadership Losses
Last month, the National Intelligence and Security Agency conducted a raid in the Hantiwadaag area of Awdheegle district in Lower Shabelle, eliminating a senior Al-Shabaab leader known by aliases including Kamaludin Yunis Mohamed. He played a key role in planning deadly attacks, such as the six-hour siege on Godka Jilacow prison near the presidential palace in Mogadishu on October 4, 2025.
Al-Shabaab Insurgency Overview
Al-Shabaab has conducted an insurgency in Somalia since 2007, aiming to ovehrow the federal government and impose a strict version of Sharia law. The group maintains control over significant areas in the southern and central regions, launching bombings and gun attacks on civilians and military targets despite ongoing offensives by national forces, African Union troops, and other international paners, including the United States.
U.S. Involvement
U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) announced an airstrike against Al-Shabaab on April 13 near Mido, approximately 90 km nohwest of Kismayo. In a statement, AFRICOM noted: “AFRICOM, alongside the Federal Government of Somalia and Somali Armed Forces, continues to take action to degrade al-Shabaab’s ability to threaten US forces and our citizens abroad.”
