Somali Army Says 75 Al-Shabaab Fighters Killed in Bay Region Offensive

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Somalia’s military has said it killed 75 Al-Shabaab fighters in an operation in the southwestern Bay region, as government forces continue efforts to weaken the group’s insurgency in areas outside major towns.

The Defence Ministry said the operation took place on October 26 in Jameeco, near Buurhakaba, where troops attacked a position occupied by the militants. Another 56 fighters were wounded, according to the ministry’s statement.

The ministry said the fighting lasted several hours and that Al-Shabaab fighters eventually withdrew from their positions. It added that the group attempted a counterattack against government military bases during the clashes but was repelled.

Government forces were continuing operations in Jameeco and surrounding areas to pursue the fleeing fighters and prevent them from regrouping, the statement said. The ministry did not report casualties among government troops.

The operation comes amid Somalia’s prolonged campaign against Al-Shabaab, which has fought the federal government for more than a decade and continues to launch attacks on security forces, officials and civilians. Despite successive military offensives, the group retains the ability to operate in parts of southern and central Somalia, particularly in rural areas.

Bay region is strategically important to the government’s efforts to secure southwestern Somalia, where control of towns and surrounding rural territory remains central to restricting militant movement and supply routes.

Military officials have repeatedly said their operations aim not only to eliminate fighters but also to dismantle the group’s bases and prevent further attacks. Sustaining gains, however, depends on the government’s ability to secure recovered areas and maintain a lasting security presence.

The Defence Ministry said the operation in Jameeco was part of ongoing efforts to degrade Al-Shabaab’s military capacity and improve civilian security.