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More than 70 members of the Al Shabab terror group were killed in a military operation carried out by the Somali National Army (SNA) in collaboration with local forces, according to the country’s Ministry of Information. The coordinated offensive took place on Tuesday in several locations across Hirshabelle state, a region in south-central Somalia.
A statement released by the ministry confirmed the heavy losses inflicted on the extremist group. “Over 70 extremist militants were eliminated through the coordinated efforts of the National Army and local forces,” the statement said. Along with the fatalities, the government forces also managed to seize a large cache of weapons and destroy several combat vehicles used by the militant group.
Retaliation Against Al Shabab Attacks
Sources on the ground reported that the operation was launched in direct response to a series of recent Al Shabab attacks in the region. Residents confirmed the heavy casualties suffered by the extremist group. “The armed men of Al Shabab were beaten,” one local resident said in a telephone interview, adding that “dozens” of bodies were seen strewn across the battle zones.
The Somali government has been intensifying its military campaign against Al Shabab, which has been waging an insurgency for over 15 years in an effort to impose its strict interpretation of Islamic law on the country. Despite suffering significant setbacks, including being driven out of Mogadishu in 2011 by African Union forces, the group continues to maintain a presence in rural areas and carries out deadly attacks in the capital and other regions.
Ongoing Military Campaign Against Al Shabab
The latest operation is part of a broader military campaign spearheaded by the Somali government, which has received backing from the African Union (AU) force and U.S. airstrikes. Somalia’s President has declared “total war” against Al Shabab, vowing to eradicate the group’s influence and restore stability in the conflict-ridden nation.
Over the past several months, the Somali army has ramped up its operations, joining forces with local militias to reclaim territories under Al Shabab control. The strategy has involved both ground offensives and airstrikes targeting militant hideouts and supply routes. The government has also worked closely with international allies, including the United States, which has provided intelligence and conducted airstrikes to weaken the extremist group.
Al Shabab’s Persistent Threat
Despite these intensified efforts, Al Shabab remains a persistent threat in Somalia and the broader Horn of Africa region. The group frequently carries out suicide bombings, roadside explosions, and attacks on government institutions, military convoys, and civilian areas. In recent years, it has also expanded its operations beyond Somalia, launching cross-border attacks in Kenya and targeting AU peacekeeping forces.
The group’s resilience can be attributed to its deep-rooted presence in rural Somalia, where it has established training camps and tax collection systems to finance its operations. Additionally, its ability to exploit clan rivalries and political instability has enabled it to maintain a foothold in certain areas, even as government forces push forward with their offensives.
Hope for a More Secure Somalia
The recent success in eliminating more than 70 militants is seen as a significant victory for Somalia’s security forces, though officials acknowledge that the fight against Al Shabab is far from over. Government leaders continue to stress the importance of sustained military pressure, intelligence sharing, and community cooperation to ensure lasting peace.
As the Somali army, with the support of local militias and international allies, continues its campaign, there is growing hope that the extremist group’s influence will be further diminished. The government remains committed to reclaiming Al Shabab-held territories and implementing measures to prevent the group from regrouping.
For now, Tuesday’s operation stands as a testament to the determination of Somalia’s forces to defeat Al Shabab and secure a more stable future for the country.