Somalia Reports Major Gains Against Al-Shabaab as Military Operations Intensify

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: The Ministry of Defense says government forces have made significant advances in the ongoing campaign against Al-Shabaab, reporting increased airstrikes and ground operations that officials say have weakened the militant group’s presence in several regions.

Presenting a progress report to the Upper House of Parliament, Defense Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi said Somali troops, backed by international partners, have carried out 220 airstrikes since the start of the year, killing 868 militants, including 52 senior commanders.

He said the operations have helped secure the strategic corridor between Xarardheere and Mogadishu, an area long contested by the insurgents.

“The Somali government continues to work closely with our international partners to strengthen the capability of our national forces through training, equipment and coordinated air support,” Fiqi said. He described the militant group as “largely made up of foreigners seeking to destabilize our country.”

Somalia, with support from African Union and other allied forces, has been conducting joint offensives aimed at pushing al-Shabaab out of rural strongholds and disrupting its financing and recruitment networks.

Somali National Army Commander Lt. Gen. Odawaa Yusuf Raage said structural reforms within the armed forces are underway to build a more professional, unified military. He highlighted previous multi-year operations, including Kaaha Waaberi and Ileys, which he said have eroded the militants’ operational capabilities, particularly in Lower Shabelle.

The ministry’s report emphasized that the government remains committed to sustaining the pressure on al-Shabaab while strengthening security institutions and expanding state authority in newly liberated areas.

Somalia continues to face sporadic attacks, but officials say the recent gains signal progress toward long-term stability and security.