Authorities in Somalia reported a major operation against Al Shabaab this Thursday, claiming a significant number of militants were eliminated in Galmudug. The action appears to be part of a broader effort to weaken the militant network within the central region and to disrupt its operational capabilities in the area. Local officials described the operation as a coordinated strike aimed at decimating key elements of the group and signaling a sustained push against its influence in Galmudug.
According to a statement from the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), supported by international partners, approximately 30 Al Shabaab members were killed, including several leaders, along with several foreign nationals. The agency stated that the attack targeted the heart of the group’s activities in the Gal Hareeri region, an area identified as a core base for its operations in central Somalia. The sites targeted in the operation reportedly included a radio station, a workshop, and other facilities used by the militants, as well as structures associated with the group’s leadership. The statement noted that among those killed was a foreign individual working in the media field, underscoring the diverse roles present within the organization and the reach of the operation.
Somalia has intensified its campaigns against Al Shabaab in recent months, often with the support of local clans and militias that back the central government. These actions come as part of a broader strategy outlined by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who has positioned the fight against terrorism at the forefront of national stabilization efforts since taking office. The administration has pursued a multi-pronged approach that includes security operations, intelligence coordination, and regional partnerships to disrupt financing networks and reduce the insurgency’s footprint across the country. This evolving campaign reflects a long-term commitment to restoring security and governance in regions previously under militant influence, with ongoing assessments expected as the government expands its reach and capacity in the coming months.