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.