MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somali authorities said Wednesday that a series of airstrikes targeting the militant group al-Shabaab killed at least 54 fighters and wounded several others in coordinated operations.
According to a statement from the Defense Ministry, the strikes were carried out in the Hiran, Lower Shabelle, Bay, and Lower Jubba regions, where government forces had been closely monitoring militant activity in recent days. The operation also destroyed key positions used by the group.
Officials said the air raids targeted supply stockpiles, significantly weakening al-Shabaab’s logistical capacity, mobility, and ability to organize attacks against civilians.
The announcement follows a separate large-scale ground operation conducted a day earlier by Somali national forces, supported by regional security units, which reportedly killed 27 al-Shabaab members, including senior figures within the organization.
Al-Shabaab, an al-Qaeda-affiliated group, has waged a prolonged insurgency against Somalia’s federal government for more than 16 years, carrying out frequent attacks on security forces, government officials, and civilians.
Since July, Somali forces—backed by the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia and international partners—have intensified military operations aimed at degrading the group’s capabilities and restoring stability.
The mission’s mandate was extended by the United Nations Security Council in December under a resolution backed by the United Kingdom, authorizing continued operations through the end of the year.
