MOGADISHU, Somalia — A coordinated military offensive involving ground troops, the Somali National Army (SNA), and international partner aircraft has targeted Al-Shabaab insurgents in the Warsheekh district of the Middle Shabelle region.
Operation Overview
The operation centered on the Jabad-godane area, a location recently infiltrated and occupied by the militant group. The offensive unfolded in two primary stages:
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Ground Engagement: Government and local forces first engaged Al-Shabaab fighters in direct combat.
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Aerial Campaign: Following the ground skirmishes, international partner aircraft conducted airstrikes against militant defenses and fortified positions to dismantle their strongholds.
Casualties and Impact
The SNA has reported significant success in the operation, claiming to have “substantially weakened” the group’s command structure and supply chains. While independent verification is pending, military statements provided the following details:
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Total Militants Killed: Approximately 15 fighters.
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High-Value Targets: Three senior leaders were reportedly eliminated:
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Jaafar Aden: Al-Shabaab commander for the Jabad Godane area.
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Abdirisaq Ali: The group’s regional medical officer.
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Da’ud: A field commander in charge of a local militant cell.
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Regional Context
The Middle Shabelle region, which borders the capital city of Mogadishu, has become a flashpoint for military activity. While government forces are working to recapture territory, security in the broader Hirshabelle State has deteriorated recently, with Al-Shabaab attempting to re-establish control over previously liberated zones.
Government forces have now reportedly encircled Jabad-godane and are preparing for follow-up operations to fully clear the area of insurgents. Military officials emphasized that these strikes are part of a nationwide strategy to dismantle Al-Qaida-affiliated networks and safeguard civilian populations.
Al-Shabaab has not yet issued a response regarding the operation or the loss of its commanders.
