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Somali National Army forces, working closely with international partners, carried out an overnight airstrike in the Middle Shabelle region that killed 17 militants and destroyed weapons and vehicles used in attacks on civilians, according to a military statement released on Tuesday. The operation took place late Monday night in the Jabad Godone area, which the army described as a key location where militant fighters were planning deadly operations, including bomb attacks targeting civilians and public infrastructure.
Military officials said the targeted site had been under surveillance after intelligence reports indicated it was being used as a coordination hub for armed fighters linked to al-Shabab, the al-Qaida-affiliated group that has carried out years of violent attacks across Somalia. The Somali government often refers to the group as the Khawarij, a term used to describe extremist factions that spread violence and instability. According to the army, the strike successfully hit its intended targets, killing fighters on site and destroying equipment that would have been used in future attacks.
The Somali National Army said the airstrike was carefully planned and aimed at disrupting the group’s ability to organize and carry out bombings, especially in central Somalia where civilians, security forces, and government officials remain frequent targets. Officials emphasized that operations like this are designed not only to eliminate militants, but also to reduce the threat posed to local communities who have suffered for years under attacks and intimidation.
In its statement, the army noted that the destruction of vehicles and weapons during the strike would significantly weaken the group’s operational capacity in the area. Such equipment is often used to transport fighters, move explosives, and launch coordinated attacks in towns and villages. By eliminating these resources, the military said it hopes to make it harder for militants to regroup and plan further violence.
The operation is part of a broader and ongoing campaign by the Somali government to restore security and stability across the country. Over the past several years, Somali forces, supported by international partners, have intensified military pressure on al-Shabab through a combination of airstrikes and ground offensives. These efforts aim to push the group out of rural strongholds and cut off its ability to launch attacks from remote areas.
Middle Shabelle has long been one of the key battlegrounds in Somalia’s fight against al-Shabab. Its location and terrain have made it strategically important for militant movements, allowing fighters to hide, train, and plan attacks before striking nearby towns or the capital, Mogadishu. Despite sustained pressure from Somali forces, the group has continued to operate in parts of the region, relying on rural areas as staging grounds for violence.
Government officials say intensified military operations remain essential to weakening the group and preventing future attacks. They argue that without continued pressure, militants could regain lost ground and pose an even greater threat to civilians. The Somali National Army reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining planned operations against the group, stressing that protecting the population remains its top priority.
The military also called on local communities to continue cooperating with security forces by sharing information that could help prevent attacks. Officials say public support has played an important role in recent successes, allowing the army to identify militant hideouts and disrupt planned operations before they are carried out.
As Somalia continues its long struggle against extremist violence, authorities say coordinated efforts between national forces, international partners, and local communities are key to building lasting peace. While challenges remain, the government insists that sustained military pressure, combined with broader efforts to improve governance and security, is the only way to bring long-term stability and protect civilians from further harm.