The Somali government reported that 16 Al-Shabaab fighters were killed in airstrikes conducted on Tuesday evening near Basra in the Lower Shabelle region through the joint efforts of the national army and international partners.
Their deaths highlight ongoing efforts to counter the militant group’s presence in this strategic area.
Basra, located between Bal’ad and Afgoye, is a crucial agricultural zone that has been a focal point of conflict due to its strategic importance and Al-Shabaab’s persistent operations there.
Despite previous airstrikes and ground operations, Al-Shabaab has continued to exploit the region’s terrain and resources to sustain its activities.
The latest airstrikes are part of broader military campaigns by Somali forces, often supported by international partners, to weaken the group’s capabilities and disrupt its control over key areas.
The Lower Shabelle region, particularly around Basra, remains a contested zone due to its proximity to Mogadishu and its role in supplying resources to both the government and Al-Shabaab.
The success of such operations is critical for stabilizing the region and reducing the group’s influence, though challenges persist in fully securing the area and preventing al-Shabaab from regrouping.