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Somali Army Kills 13 Al-Shabaab Militants in Middle Shabelle Operation

Storyline:Security, War on Al-Shabaab

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: The Somali National Army (SNA), backed by international partners, killed at least 13 Al-Shabaab fighters in a targeted military operation near El-Baraf in the Middle Shabelle region.

According to the Ministry of Information, the operation, conducted in Buurta Cadayga, struck a key Al-Shabaab site used for planning and coordinating attacks against civilian and government targets. Among those killed were senior members of the extremist group, while several others were reported wounded.

The strike also destroyed a stockpile of weapons, further degrading the group’s capacity to conduct operations in the region.

“This mission is part of ongoing efforts to eliminate Al-Shabaab’s threat and protect Somali communities,” the ministry said in an official statement. “Our government remains resolute in its commitment to defeating terrorism through cooperation with the Somali public and our international allies.”

The raid comes amid growing concern over Al-Shabaab’s recent territorial advances in Middle Shabelle, including the strategic district of Aden Yabaal, where the group has released footage of deadly attacks on Somali forces.

Al-Shabaab, an al-Qaeda-linked group, continues to pose a serious threat to security and stability across Somalia, despite sustained military offensives by Somali forces and regional partners under the African Union’s AUSSOM mandate.

Security analysts warn that while recent operations have inflicted significant losses on the group, sustained military and political pressure will be crucial to reversing its gains and restoring control in contested areas.