Top Al-Shabaab Commanders Killed as Somali Army Conducts Coordinated Attacks

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Somali government forces and allied local fighters killed nearly 30 Al-Shabaab militants, including senior commanders, in coordinated battles across Middle Shabelle and Hiraan on Friday, in one of the group’s heaviest recent losses.

Security officials said troops ambushed the militants in Muqluga Ali, Ceelhareeri, Hareeri Madoobe, and Garas Magan after receiving intelligence about an impending attack.

At least 25 bodies were recovered, with additional casualties reportedly carried away by retreating fighters. Foreign combatants were also seen among the attackers.

Defense Minister Ahmed Macallin Fiqi hailed the operation as a major success. “This is a clear message: Somalia’s forces are stronger, and Al-Shabaab is weakening,” he said.

The operation dealt a significant blow to the group’s leadership in central Somalia, where ongoing offensives have already forced militants out of key strongholds.

The loss of the group’s top commanders could disrupt Al-Shabaab’s regional operations.

Troops remain on high alert amid fears of reprisal attacks, but officials say momentum is on the government’s side as efforts to reclaim militant-held areas intensify.