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Somalia’s government announced on Wednesday that its national army killed at least 49 al-Shabab fighters during a military operation in the Lower Shabelle region. The Ministry of Information said the attack was carried out by Somali special forces in coordination with the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) and international security partners. The operation took place on Tuesday evening in the village of Bulo-Madino, where militant positions, military vehicles, and a weapons cache were destroyed.
Residents of Afgoye district, located about 25 kilometers northwest of Mogadishu, said they heard powerful explosions that shook the ground late that night. “Last night, the whole earth shook. We heard two huge air strikes,” said Ali Farah, a local bus driver who lives in the area. However, many residents were unsure about the exact targets or the extent of the damage caused.
While the United States military has previously conducted airstrikes against al-Shabab in Somalia, it clarified that it was not involved in this particular operation. The Somali government said the strike was part of its ongoing campaign to eliminate the militant group, which continues to pose a major security threat to the country and the region.
In a separate statement, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre said that Somali forces have achieved major progress in recent months. He revealed that more than 600 al-Shabab fighters have been killed, 1,200 others wounded, and 68 settlements recaptured over the past three months. Barre described the government’s campaign as a “comprehensive military, economic, and ideological war” designed to weaken and ultimately dismantle the al-Shabab insurgency.
He also emphasized that this multi-front approach goes beyond battlefield operations. It includes cutting off al-Shabab’s sources of income, dismantling its recruitment networks, and countering its extremist ideology through public awareness and community engagement. Barre said the government is determined to reclaim every part of Somalia that remains under militant control and to restore peace and stability to the country.
The Lower Shabelle region, located in southern Somalia, has long been considered one of al-Shabab’s strongholds. The group has used its rural bases there to plan and launch attacks against Somali security forces, government officials, and civilians. In recent years, however, Somali forces backed by international allies have stepped up operations in the area to reclaim territory and disrupt the militants’ logistical routes.
Security experts say these operations are part of a larger national strategy to gradually push al-Shabab out of its rural hideouts and deny it safe havens. The government’s intensified campaign is also seen as an effort to build momentum for broader political and economic reforms, which officials hope will help stabilize Somalia after decades of conflict.
Despite these gains, challenges remain. Al-Shabab still controls parts of the countryside and continues to carry out deadly attacks in Mogadishu and other regions. The group’s resilience has been attributed to its ability to adapt, recruit new members, and exploit local grievances. However, analysts note that sustained pressure from Somali forces and their international partners has significantly weakened the group’s capabilities over time.
Somali authorities have urged local communities to cooperate with the government and security forces by sharing information about militant activities. Officials believe that community support is essential in identifying al-Shabab hideouts and preventing future attacks.
As operations continue in Lower Shabelle and other regions, the Somali government says it remains committed to defeating al-Shabab once and for all. Officials say their ultimate goal is to ensure that Somalia becomes a peaceful, stable, and self-reliant nation free from extremist threats.