In a significant military operation, US and Somali forces have executed an airstrike against Al-Shabab militants amid ongoing clashes for the town of Adan Yabaal, located north of Mogadishu. The strike, described as "well-coordinated" by the Somali government, resulted in the deaths of 12 militants, including high-ranking members of the notorious al-Qaeda-affiliated group. The operation followed a bold raid by Al-Shabab on the town, a critical hub for military strategies against the government.
The Somalia government remains vigilant, expressing concerns over a potential resurgence of militant activities, particularly in light of recent attacks, one of which targeted President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's convoy. For nearly two decades, Al-Shabab has aimed to topple the federal government to establish an Islamist state, exerting control over several regions in southern and central Somalia.
Although the African Union-led peacekeeping forces had previously driven the militants into a defensive position in recent years, the threat they pose remains substantial. The Somali information ministry insisted that the airstrike was aimed at neutralizing the ongoing threat from these fighters while confirming there were no civilian casualties from the operation.
Adan Yabaal has switched hands several times, falling to Al-Shabab in 2016 but being recaptured by government forces in 2022. Recent escalating tensions led to a violent confrontation when Al-Shabab launched an attack involving heavy explosives. Reports suggest that the militants may have regained control of the town, with local residents confirming their presence.
In a separate military engagement, Somali forces reported killing at least 35 Al-Shabab fighters in the vicinity of Baidoa following an attempted attack on an army base. Although President Mohamud acknowledges the struggles against the militants, he remains determined to lead efforts to eradicate Al-Shabab from Somalia.
The Somalia government remains vigilant, expressing concerns over a potential resurgence of militant activities, particularly in light of recent attacks, one of which targeted President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's convoy. For nearly two decades, Al-Shabab has aimed to topple the federal government to establish an Islamist state, exerting control over several regions in southern and central Somalia.
Although the African Union-led peacekeeping forces had previously driven the militants into a defensive position in recent years, the threat they pose remains substantial. The Somali information ministry insisted that the airstrike was aimed at neutralizing the ongoing threat from these fighters while confirming there were no civilian casualties from the operation.
Adan Yabaal has switched hands several times, falling to Al-Shabab in 2016 but being recaptured by government forces in 2022. Recent escalating tensions led to a violent confrontation when Al-Shabab launched an attack involving heavy explosives. Reports suggest that the militants may have regained control of the town, with local residents confirming their presence.
In a separate military engagement, Somali forces reported killing at least 35 Al-Shabab fighters in the vicinity of Baidoa following an attempted attack on an army base. Although President Mohamud acknowledges the struggles against the militants, he remains determined to lead efforts to eradicate Al-Shabab from Somalia.
