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The Somali National Army (SNA), working closely with local clan militias, has killed over 15 al-Shabaab militants, including some of the group’s top commanders, in coordinated military operations across four regions in Somalia. These offensives took place in Galgaduud, Lower Shabelle, Lower Juba, and Middle Shabelle.
According to Abukar Macalin, the spokesperson for Somalia’s Ministry of Defense, the operations were a major success in the government’s ongoing fight against the al-Shabaab extremist group. He confirmed that among those killed was a senior al-Shabaab leader named Ibrahim Abdirahman Sanbuur. Sanbuur, who was reportedly part of the group since 2010, was killed in the Harboole area of Lower Juba.
“The national army, along with local fighters, dealt a major blow to the Khawarij,” Macalin said. (The Somali government uses the term “Khawarij” to refer to al-Shabaab.) “In one operation alone, conducted in the Xiingaduud area, 11 militants were killed.”
Xiingaduud is located between the towns of Amara and Qodqod in the Galgaduud region. According to the Ministry of Defense, this specific operation was carefully planned and executed without any setbacks.
Additional clashes took place in Mido and Harboole, both in Lower Juba. These operations also led to the deaths of several militants, including Sanbuur, who was known for his long-standing involvement in al-Shabaab’s activities.
Macalin praised the cooperation between Somali security forces and local communities, noting that their combined efforts have made it more difficult for al-Shabaab to operate freely in the affected regions.
“These recent victories are proof that our collaboration with the public is working,” he said. “The people are standing side by side with the army, and together we are weakening al-Shabaab’s presence across the country.”
The Somali government has been intensifying its military campaign against al-Shabaab, particularly in central and southern Somalia. The aim is to disrupt the group’s operations, push them out of their strongholds, and restore peace and stability to areas long affected by violence.
In recent years, clan militias—groups of armed local fighters—have been playing a bigger role in helping the national army drive out al-Shabaab from villages and towns. This local support has made it harder for the militants to hide or rebuild after losing territory.
Military experts say this community-backed strategy is key to long-term success. By working closely with local people who know the terrain and can identify fighters, Somali forces have a better chance of winning battles and gathering intelligence on enemy movements.
Despite these gains, al-Shabaab still poses a serious threat. The group often uses guerrilla tactics, such as roadside bombs and surprise attacks, to slow down military advances. However, the government remains committed to defeating them once and for all.
Officials say more operations are planned in the coming weeks as part of a larger campaign to completely eliminate the militant group’s influence from Somalia.
As the fight continues, both military leaders and government officials are urging the Somali public to stay alert and support the national forces. The success of these operations, they say, depends not just on firepower, but also on unity and trust between the people and the army.
With continued collaboration and determination, Somalia hopes to end al-Shabaab’s reign of terror and build a future of peace and security for all its citizens.