Somali army kills over 70 Al-Shabaab militants in Middle Shabelle offensive

The operation, which involved airstrikes and ground assaults, targeted militant hideouts in Adow-Guray (Hiiraan region), El Ali Ahmed, and Al Kowsar (Middle Shabelle region), according to the Ministry of Information. Government officials said the mission was launched preemptively to prevent an Al-Shabaab attack on civilian areas and security installations.

Security officials reported that Somali forces and local Ma’awisley militia successfully disrupted Al-Shabaab's planned assault, killing dozens of fighters and forcing others to retreat. "More than 70 Al-Shabaab militants were eliminated in preemptive operations carried out by the National Army and local forces," the ministry said in a statement.

During the operation, troops seized a cache of weapons and ammunition and destroyed armored vehicles used by the militants. Somali forces reportedly captured key positions that had served as strategic strongholds for the insurgents.