More than 100 al-Shabaab terrorists killed in Somalia military operations

More than 100 al-Shabaab terrorists were killed and many others wounded when the Somali National Army (SNA) backed by locals and international security partners carried out operations against the group in the central province of Galgadud, the country’s defense minister said Saturday.

The terrorist group was targeted in the vicinity of Bida Isse and Geriile under the newly liberated town of Eeldheer in Galmudug.

Defense Minister Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur told a press conference in the capital Mogadishu that current operations involve both ground and air strikes aimed at dismantling the militant group’s infrastructure.

“At the national level, the SNA is conducting targeted missions to further weaken Al-Shabaab’s strongholds and leadership,” he said.

On the African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia, he said next year, a new operation “will be launched to replace ATMIS, and Ethiopian forces will not participate unless they withdraw their false agreements.”

He also hailed the launch of Türkiye's seismic research vessel Oruc Reis to Somalia, saying the move is part of implementation of a defense and economic pact between Somalia and Türkiye signed earlier this year.

 Somali army kills 80 al-Shabab militants in operations in Galmudug and Hirshabelle States

Somali National Army (SNA) forces, supported by international partners and local militias, killed at least 50 al-Shabab militants during military operations in the central Somali region of Galgadud, the Somali Ministry of Information confirmed in a statement released Saturday.

The joint forces targeted al-Shabab militants in a forested area between Bidda Issa and Gerile in Elder district, destroying key militant bases. 

“The armed forces and international allies struck the forest where numerous Khawarij militiamen had gathered, killing many of them and eliminating their strongholds,” the statement read. The operation also neutralized a vehicle laden with explosives, which the militants had planned to use in attacks against civilians and security forces.

Another planned operation was conducted in Hussein Agay and Ali Yabal, destroying further militant positions, the Ministry of Information added.

In a separate offensive, Somali army forces killed 24 al-Shabab militants and wounded 30 others in the Lower Shabelle region. The operation, led by the SNA’s seventh brigade, targeted villages where militants had recently assembled, including Kaliga, Libahale, Kaharow, Doonka, and Bululow.

These military actions coincide with the ongoing National Consultative Council (NCC) meeting in Mogadishu, where federal and regional leaders are addressing key issues, including the intensified operations against al-Shabab militants.

General Assad Diayno officially takes over command of Somali police

General Asad Osman Abdullahi Diyano has officially assumed command of the Somali Police Force during a ceremony held at the police headquarters in the capital Mogadishu, attended by a number of prominent officials, including Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre.

General Diano took over from Major General Salib Ahmed Farin, who was appointed Deputy Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation after leading the police for more than a year.

The appointment of General Diano is a politically significant move, as he was a presidential candidate in Puntland’s 2019 and 2024 elections, and remains a prominent figure in local politics, even as he is a critic of President Said Abdullahi Deni’s administration.

His new leadership comes at a time when Somali security forces are in need of a comprehensive modernization. In his first speech after assuming the position, General Diagno called on police personnel to enhance their efforts in maintaining national security and protecting civilians, stressing the importance of adhering to the laws that govern their work.

 

 NISA arrests five al-Shabaab militants, foils planned attack in Mogadishu

Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) has arrested five Al-Shabaab operatives during an operation in Mogadishu, successfully disrupting a planned attack on the capital.

According to a statement from NISA, the intelligence agency apprehended the militants along with weapons and explosives intended to harm civilians. 

The operation was carried out following prior intelligence and was designed to prevent the group from executing a series of attacks in Mogadishu. “Our agents successfully detained five individuals who were plotting acts of violence in the city. Along with these arrests, we seized explosives and firearms designed to target the residents of Mogadishu,” NISA said.

The agency emphasized its commitment to ongoing operations aimed at neutralizing Al-Shabaab cells within the Banaadir region. 
These operations fit into the wider, ongoing struggle to bring some measure of stability to Mogadishu, a city that has long been in the crosshairs of Al-Shabaab’s relentless attacks.

 5-year-old girl dies after being thrown from Mogadishu building, suspects in custody

A five-year-old girl named Maryan Mahad Ado died after being thrown from a five-story building in Mogadishu's Abdiaziz District on Sunday, authorities confirmed. Multiple suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident.

Maryan's family reported that she succumbed to her injuries on Monday morning, just hours after the incident. The child had been returning from Quranic school when she was thrown from the building, according to her mother.

While the motive remains unclear, Maryan's parents are calling for justice. No official statement has yet been issued by the Somali Federal Government's security forces. However, the incident has left local residents in shock, especially as a government security officer reportedly occupies the building.

The death has sparked widespread attention across the city, with many demanding accountability as the investigation unfolds.