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Somali government forces, working closely with African Union troops, Ugandan forces, and international partners, have killed more than 30 al-Shabab militants during a coordinated military operation in Somalia’s Lower Shabelle region, according to official sources. The operation followed a series of clashes near the Bulunagaad Forward Operating Base, a strategic military position that has repeatedly been targeted by the militant group.
The fighting erupted after al-Shabab fighters launched an attack on Somali National Army (SNA) units and troops from the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), who were already conducting security patrols and pursuit operations in the area. In response, the joint forces quickly mobilized and carried out coordinated ground and air actions aimed at repelling the attack and neutralizing the militants involved.
Security officials said the operation involved multiple engagements over a wide area and was supported by air assets that played a key role in targeting militant positions. In addition to those killed, several al-Shabab fighters were reportedly wounded, further weakening the group’s presence in the area. Military sources described the response as swift and well-coordinated, reflecting growing cooperation between Somali forces and their regional and international partners.
The clashes came in the wake of recent SNA-led offensives under an operation known as “Hidden Sword,” which has focused on dismantling al-Shabab strongholds along the southern coast. These operations have already pushed the group out of several key locations, including the coastal town of Gendershe and areas along the Jilib–Marka axis. Officials said the militants involved in the latest fighting were attempting to regroup and disrupt ongoing security efforts following those losses.
In a statement, military officials said the joint forces acted decisively to counter threats posed by al-Shabab, emphasizing that the operation was intended to protect both security personnel and civilians living in nearby communities. The statement added that the militants’ attack was successfully repelled and that the area around the forward operating base was secured after the fighting.
Lower Shabelle remains one of the most volatile and strategically important regions in Somalia. Its location makes it a critical transit corridor linking rural areas with major towns and supply routes, which al-Shabab has long exploited to move fighters, weapons, and resources. Despite sustained military pressure over the years, the group continues to view the region as a key operational zone and has frequently targeted military bases, convoys, and main roads.
Somali and African Union officials stressed that the latest operation was not only about confronting militants in combat but also about improving overall security in the region. By clearing areas around key routes and bases, the joint forces aim to ensure the safe movement of humanitarian aid, commercial goods, and essential services to communities that have often been cut off by insecurity.
Authorities also highlighted the importance of continued collaboration among Somali forces, African Union troops, and international partners. They said joint operations remain central to reducing al-Shabab’s ability to plan and carry out attacks, as well as to building long-term stability in areas that have suffered from years of conflict.
Al-Shabab, which is linked to al-Qaida, has been fighting Somalia’s federal government for more than a decade. Although the group has lost territory in recent years due to sustained military campaigns, it still retains the capacity to carry out coordinated attacks, particularly in southern regions like Lower Shabelle. Somali officials say ongoing operations are steadily degrading the group’s capabilities, even as security forces remain on high alert for further attempts by militants to retaliate.