Thursday May 22, 2025
Mogadishu (HOL) – Somali National Army forces, in coordination with local clan militias and international partners, have killed at least 120 al-Shabaab militants, including senior leaders, during a sweeping military offensive conducted over the past 72 hours across multiple regions of the country.
Speaking at a press conference in Mogadishu on Wednesday, Minister of Defense Ahmed Macalin Fiqi confirmed that the operations, which spanned areas in Galmudug, Hirshabelle, Jubbaland, and Southwest states, marked a new phase in Somalia's ongoing war against al-Shabaab.
"More than 120 Khawarij militias and leaders were killed in battles and airstrikes in Hiiraan, Middle Shabelle, Lower Shabelle, and Lower Juba regions," said Minister Fiqi. "Among them was a senior leader responsible for planning recent mortar attacks in Mogadishu. He and all his guards were eliminated."
The operations took place in the areas of Geel Gub, Sabiib, Canoole, Barjaale, and Aden Yabaal district, targeting key al-Shabaab strongholds and disrupting the group's operational capabilities.
Minister Fiqi emphasized that the fight against the group is far from over, vowing that the government will continue its offensive "village by village" until the militants are completely eradicated.
"This is a national war. The liberation of areas under Khawarij control will not stop. We are determined to drive them out permanently," he said, using the government's preferred term for al-Shabaab.
He also praised the role of Ma'awisley fighters, particularly those from the Hawadle clan, for their frontline contributions in the struggle against terrorism.
Somalia continues to face severe security challenges from both al-Shabaab and ISIS, with al-Shabaab maintaining an active insurgency for over 16 years, frequently targeting civilians, government officials, and military personnel.