Hiiraan, Somalia – In a major counter-terrorism breakthrough, Somali National Army (SNA) forces, in collaboration with international partners, have eliminated 47 Al-Shabaab militants in a series of coordinated operations across the Hiiraan and Lower Shabelle regions over the past 24 hours.
Among those killed was the alleged mastermind behind recent mortar attacks in Mogadishu, which had targeted civilian areas and government institutions in an attempt to destabilize the capital.
The Ministry of Information confirmed the successful outcome of the operations, noting that precision strikes were carried out based on credible intelligence from local sources and surveillance support.
In Hiiraan, the army ambushed militants in a forested area outside Mahas district, killing 25 insurgents. Meanwhile, 22 others were neutralized in a separate sweep in the Lower Shabelle region, a known Al-Shabaab stronghold.
“The individual responsible for orchestrating recent mortar shellings in Mogadishu was among those eliminated. His death is a significant blow to the group’s operational capabilities in the capital,” said a senior security official who requested anonymity.
Residents in the targeted areas reported hearing heavy gunfire and explosions during the operations. Security forces also recovered weapons, ammunition, and explosive devices intended for future attacks.
Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre praised the military’s efforts, stating, “This operation marks a critical step in our ongoing campaign to rid Somalia of terror and restore peace. We commend our brave forces for their dedication and sacrifice.”
The Somali government has intensified its military offensive against Al-Shabaab in recent months, aiming to dismantle the group’s logistical networks and reclaim territories under militant control.
Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to protecting civilians and urged local communities to continue cooperating with security forces by reporting suspicious activities.
The operations form part of the wider national strategy to eliminate terrorism and restore stability ahead of the planned transition from ATMIS to the newly approved African Union-led mission, AUSSOM.