Somali Troops Kill Senior Al-Shabaab Commanders, Dismantle Key Facilities in Major Military Offensive

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Somali government forces have killed multiple Al-Shabaab militants, including two senior commanders, and destroyed key insurgent facilities in a wave of coordinated operations across three volatile regions.

According to the Ministry of Defence, the operations targeted militant positions in Hiiraan, Middle Shabelle, and Bakool, striking a significant blow to the Al Qaeda-linked group’s operational network.

In Gumarre, near Moqokori in Hiiraan region, al Shabaab fighters launched a dawn attack on army positions. Troops from the Somali National Army (SNA), backed by local Macawisley forces, repelled the assault in a two-hour firefight that left more than ten militants dead. Gumarre is now under full government control.

Meanwhile in Middle Shabelle, joint forces stormed suspected militant hideouts in Guulane, Daaru-nicma, and Alkowsar. The raid in Guulane led to the killing of Mohamed Adow and Ali Xabad—two high-value commanders accused of leading extortion rackets and brutal campaigns against civilians.

Another operation in Moora Godan, in Raaga Ceelle district, uncovered and dismantled a secret al Shabaab facility used to treat injured fighters and coordinate planned attacks.

In Bakool, SNA troops pushed into key areas southwest of Xudur, Baani, Lafaale, and Abal, forcing militants to flee their camps, leaving behind weapons and supplies.

“These back-to-back operations demonstrate the growing reach, coordination, and momentum of Somali forces working alongside local fighters,” the Ministry said. “We remain committed to dismantling all terrorist networks that threaten national security and civilian life.”

The latest offensives come as Somalia intensifies its campaign to reclaim territory and dismantle the group’s command structure. The government has pledged to expand joint security operations in rural strongholds where al Shabaab continues to wage a deadly insurgency.