Somali forces kill 80 al-Shabaab militants in major weeklong offensive

 Somali forces kill 80 al-Shabaab militants in major weeklong offensive

In a major victory against the militant group Al-Shabaab, Somali government forces, supported by the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), have successfully eliminated over 80 Al-Shabaab fighters in a weeklong military operation. This intensive campaign took place from March 29 to April 4 across the Middle and Lower Shabelle regions of Somalia. The operations were aimed at weakening the group's command structure and disrupting its ability to carry out attacks. The military strategy involved a combination of airstrikes and ground assaults, targeting key strongholds of the militants in towns such as Sabiid, Caanoole, Bursha Sheekh, Aw-Baalle, and Al-Kowthar.

The operations began with a swift assault on Al-Shabaab positions in Sabiid and Caanoole, which resulted in the death of 21 militants. Over the following days, precision strikes were carried out, including a significant hit on a compound in Al-Kowthar, where several high-ranking Al-Shabaab leaders were reportedly gathering. These strikes were successful in killing all the targeted individuals. As the campaign continued, Somali forces launched further airstrikes, resulting in the elimination of additional militants, including 19 in Bursha Sheekh on March 31 and another 17 on April 1. These coordinated efforts were seen as a turning point in the government's ongoing battle to dismantle Al-Shabaab’s leadership.

The Somali government's recent operations are part of an intensified strategy to reclaim rural areas where Al-Shabaab still exerts influence. Despite losing control of most urban centers in Somalia, Al-Shabaab continues to wage an insurgency, frequently carrying out suicide bombings and assassinations. The government's focus on eliminating key leaders aims to prevent any resurgence of the group and bring stability to the nation. The National Intelligence and Security Agency hailed the success of the operation, emphasizing the growing capabilities of Somali forces in both intelligence and military strategy. With no reported government casualties, these operations signal a significant step forward in the ongoing fight against terrorism in Somalia.