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Somali, allied forces have killed 18 Al-Shabab militants in a targeted airstrike near Mabaah village in the Hiiraan region, in what officials are calling a major success in the ongoing campaign to dismantle the extremist group’s operational strongholds. The strike, carried out late Wednesday, was led by Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) in close coordination with international military partners.
According to a government statement, the airstrike destroyed two pickup trucks carrying the militants as they attempted to flee the area. “The strike eliminated 18 Khawarij militants and neutralized two combat vehicles the enemy intended to use for escape,” the statement read, using the government’s preferred term for Al-Shabab.
This marks the second air operation in Hiiraan in less than a week, underscoring the intensification of military efforts across central and southern Somalia. The Somali government, backed by local militia forces and foreign allies—including U.S. and Turkish advisors—has ramped up its offensive since early 2024, aiming to reclaim territory and disrupt Al-Shabab’s mobility and revenue streams.
The Hiiraan region, long considered a strategic corridor for Al-Shabab fighters moving between central Somalia and the southern regions, has become a focal point of the government’s counterterrorism strategy. Officials say retaking control of key areas like Mabaah is essential for restoring public services, securing transportation routes, and preparing for the country’s 2026 national elections.
Military analysts say the latest strike demonstrates improved coordination between Somali forces and their international partners, particularly in intelligence gathering and precision targeting. “This operation reflects a growing capability to strike high-value targets with minimal collateral damage,” said one regional security expert.
Despite recent setbacks, Al-Shabab remains entrenched in rural areas, where it continues to stage ambushes, plant roadside bombs, and extort local communities. The group, which is affiliated with al-Qaeda, has shown resilience in the face of military pressure, often retreating into remote terrain to regroup and launch retaliatory attacks.
The Somali government has vowed to maintain momentum, with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud reiterating his administration’s commitment to eradicating terrorism and restoring national unity. “We will not rest until every inch of our land is free from the grip of terror,” he said in a recent address.
Local residents in Hiiraan have welcomed the operation, though many remain cautious. “We are grateful for the efforts of our forces, but we also fear what comes next,” said a community elder from Beledweyne. “Al-Shabab has a history of retaliating when they lose ground.”
The government has not released the names of the militants killed, and Al-Shabab has yet to comment on the strike. Independent verification of the casualty figures remains difficult due to restricted access to the area.
As the Somali National Army and its partners continue their push into militant-held territory, the success of operations like the one in Mabaah will be critical in shaping the trajectory of Somalia’s security landscape. With the 2026 elections on the horizon, the government is under pressure to demonstrate tangible progress in stabilizing the country and protecting its citizens.