The US and Somali forces have conducted a high-stakes airstrike against al-Shabab militants in a pivotal central town in Somalia. The strike targeted Adan Yabaal, which is crucial for military operations, following an assault by the militant group just hours earlier. According to the Somali information ministry, 12 militants were killed, including several high-ranking members of the al-Qaeda-linked organization.
This airstrike comes at a time of increased concerns regarding al-Shabab's resurgence, particularly after a recent attack on President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's convoy. The group has been at war with the Somali government for nearly two decades, aiming to topple the federal administration and replace it with an Islamist regime.
In the past couple of years, the African Union-led peacekeeping efforts had managed to push al-Shabab back, but they remain a formidable threat. The Somali government insists that the group has suffered significant losses, claiming this latest strike successfully neutralized a gathering site for militants with no civilian casualties reported.
Adan Yabaal, located in the Middle Shabelle region, has changed hands multiple times, having been seized by al-Shabab in 2016 before government forces regained control in 2022. Fighting intensified on Wednesday after the militants launched an aggressive raid. Local residents reported that al-Shabab initially captured the town, though the government has not confirmed the current control status.
In a related note, on Thursday, the national army reportedly eliminated at least 35 fighters near Baidoa, thwarting an attack on an army base. President Mohamud seems undeterred by these recent setbacks, reiterating his commitment to defeat the militants and restore stability to Somalia.
This airstrike comes at a time of increased concerns regarding al-Shabab's resurgence, particularly after a recent attack on President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's convoy. The group has been at war with the Somali government for nearly two decades, aiming to topple the federal administration and replace it with an Islamist regime.
In the past couple of years, the African Union-led peacekeeping efforts had managed to push al-Shabab back, but they remain a formidable threat. The Somali government insists that the group has suffered significant losses, claiming this latest strike successfully neutralized a gathering site for militants with no civilian casualties reported.
Adan Yabaal, located in the Middle Shabelle region, has changed hands multiple times, having been seized by al-Shabab in 2016 before government forces regained control in 2022. Fighting intensified on Wednesday after the militants launched an aggressive raid. Local residents reported that al-Shabab initially captured the town, though the government has not confirmed the current control status.
In a related note, on Thursday, the national army reportedly eliminated at least 35 fighters near Baidoa, thwarting an attack on an army base. President Mohamud seems undeterred by these recent setbacks, reiterating his commitment to defeat the militants and restore stability to Somalia.
