Somali Forces Say 50 Al-Shabaab Fighters Killed in Baidoa Area Operation

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: The Somali National Army (SNA)) has said its forces killed at least 50 Al-Shabaab fighters during a planned operation near Baidoa, following a dawn assault by the militant group on government positions.

The Somali National Army said troops repelled the attack and pursued retreating militants, destroying vehicles and weapons used in the fighting. The Defence Ministry said the operation was part of ongoing counterinsurgency efforts in the south-western region.

In a statement, the ministry stated that armed elements aligned with local political actors had provided support to Al-Shabaab fighters during the incident.

The government further accused such groups of complicity in destabilising security in the area, warning that anyone found collaborating with Al-Shabaab would face legal action under Somali law.

Al-Shabaab, which has waged an insurgency against Somalia’s internationally backed government for more than 15 years, frequently carries out attacks targeting security forces, officials and civilians.

The Defence Ministry said the latest operation reflects broader efforts by federal authorities to consolidate gains made during recent military offensives in southern and central Somalia, where government forces have stepped up operations against the group.

Security operations have intensified in recent months as the government seeks to expand territorial control and weaken the insurgency, which remains one of the country’s main security challenges.