Saturday May 23, 2026
Mogadishu (HOL) — Somali government forces killed six al-Shabab militants Friday during a planned operation in the Lower Shabelle region, the Ministry of Defense said.
The ministry said the Somali National Army carried out the operation with international partners in the Ugunji area after receiving intelligence that al-Shabab fighters were gathering there to prepare an attack.
Six militants were killed, and weapons and other military equipment used by the group were destroyed, according to the ministry.
The government did not provide further details on possible civilian casualties or losses among Somali forces.
The operation comes as Somali forces and allied partners have stepped up military pressure on al-Shabab in southern and central Somalia.
The Ministry of Defense said the armed forces would intensify operations targeting the group and called on the public to cooperate with security agencies.
Al-Shabab, which is linked to al-Qaida, continues to carry out attacks in Somalia despite sustained military campaigns by Somali forces, local fighters and international partners.
