MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somali security forces, supported by international partners, have significantly ramped up military operations across southern Somalia, striking key militant strongholds and reclaiming territory from Al-Shabaab. The coordinated surge, involving elite commando units and airstrikes, has targeted the group’s leadership, infrastructure, and territorial grip in the Bay, Middle Juba, and Lower Shabelle regions.
High-Stakes Raids in Bay and Middle Juba
In a major overnight operation on January 3, 2026, the Somali elite Danab Special Forces, backed by international partners, conducted a raid in the Buula Fuleey area of the Bay region. Military sources report that over 20 Al-Shabaab militants, including several senior leaders, were eliminated. The assault successfully destroyed key command sites and dismantled a militant-operated radio station used for propaganda.
This follows a separate joint operation involving U.S. and Somali forces near Jilib, a primary Al-Shabaab stronghold. Officials stated that a raid on Hargeisa Yarey village, utilizing helicopters and drones, resulted in 15 militants killed and eight wounded. Somalia’s Defense Minister, Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, characterized the mission as a “significant blow” to the Islamist group.
However, Al-Shabaab has issued conflicting reports regarding these engagements:
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Jilib Raid: The group claimed the operation failed, alleging that one civilian was killed by gunfire and several others were wounded by “indiscriminate mortar fire.”
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Verification: None of the claims from either side have been independently verified.
Strategic Territorial Gains in Lower Shabelle
While special operations targeted leadership, conventional forces and intelligence units successfully expanded government authority in the Lower Shabelle region.
The Gor-Gor Commando unit, the 14 October Brigade, and the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) executed a planned security mission to take control of Marka and Jilib Marka. Reports indicate that Al-Shabaab militants abandoned their positions and retreated as government forces advanced. Local residents, who had lived under militant intimidation for years, reportedly expressed relief and welcomed the arrival of national troops.
Operational Summary of Recent Engagements
The following table summarizes the key military engagements reported in the first week of January 2026.
| Location | Region | Reported Casualties (Militants) | Key Outcome |
| Buula Fuleey | Bay | 20+ Killed | Senior leaders eliminated; radio station destroyed. |
| Jilib | Middle Juba | 15 Killed, 8 Wounded | Significant command site targeted via air & ground. |
| Jabad Godane | Middle Shabelle | 29 Killed | Airstrikes destroyed weapons intended for civilians. |
| Marka / Jilib Marka | Lower Shabelle | N/A (Retreat) | Town liberated; government authority established. |
| Wargaadhi | Middle Shabelle | Repelled | Militant assault defeated by army and local militia. |
Broader Context of Escalation
These recent missions are part of a broader, intensified campaign to weaken Al-Shabaab’s financial and operational capabilities. This escalation includes:
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Targeting Leadership: The Somali government recently claimed a U.S. airstrike killed Al-Shabaab’s lead explosives expert, Abdullahi Osman. (Note: This remains unverified, as Osman has been reported killed in the past only to reappear on terror watchlists).
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International Coordination: These strikes align with Somalia assuming the Presidency of the UN Security Council for January 2026, where President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is expected to prioritize regional security and the rule of law.
As the Somali government continues to leverage international air support and elite ground units, the focus remains on stabilizing reclaimed territories and degrading the militants’ ability to coordinate large-scale attacks.
