Coordinated Airstrikes Deal Heavy Blow to Al-Shabaab in South Somalia

Coordinated Airstrikes Deal Heavy Blow to Al-Shabaab in South Somalia

Intelligence sources confirmed on Sunday that a series of coordinated airstrikes struck Al-Shabaab strongholds in southern Somalia, killing several senior leaders and injuring others. The operations, four in total, mark a significant escalation in counter-terrorism efforts aimed at dismantling the extremist group’s leadership and operational capacity.

Multiple Strikes in Key Regions

The strikes targeted Al-Shabaab bases in Middle Juba, Lower Shabelle, and Bay regions. Specific areas hit included Bu’ale, Kunya-Barrow, Sablaale, and Bulo-Fulay. Security officials reported that the operations were part of a broader campaign to weaken the group’s command structure.

Eliminating Foreign Trainers in Bu’ale

One of the most significant strikes occurred near Bu’ale in the village of Sariraha, where foreign trainers working with Al-Shabaab were killed. Among the confirmed dead were:

• Abu Fahd al-Sudani (Sudan)

• Abu Salhan (Pakistan)

• Abu Jaafar (Morocco)

• Abu Malik (unconfirmed nationality)

“These individuals played a critical role in building Al-Shabaab’s training networks and external operations,” an intelligence officer noted.

Another strike in Kunya-Barrow destroyed equipment reportedly supplied to Al-Shabaab by Yemen’s Houthi rebels. While the nature of the equipment has not been publicly disclosed, the incident highlights the growing regional cooperation between extremist organizations.

Leadership Meeting Hit in Sablaale

In Sablaale, Lower Shabelle, an airstrike targeted a house where senior Al-Shabaab leaders were holding a meeting. Reports indicate the gathering was meant to plan upcoming attacks against Somali government forces and international partners.

Disruption in Bulo-Fulay

The fourth strike hit Bulo-Fulay in Bay region, where intelligence indicated the presence of additional Al-Shabaab leaders. Officials confirmed the attack disrupted a key command hub, though casualty details remain unclear.

A Broader Counter-Terrorism Effort

While no official statement has yet been released by the Somali federal government or its international allies, observers view these strikes as part of ongoing joint counter-terrorism operations. These efforts involve Somali security forces, African Union peacekeepers under AUSSOM, and UN-backed security initiatives.

Escalation in the Fight Against Al-Shabaab

The coordinated air campaign underscores renewed momentum in the fight to dismantle Al-Shabaab’s leadership and operational networks. Analysts believe these operations represent a major step toward neutralizing the group’s influence across Somalia and the wider Horn of Africa.