Airstrikes target al-Shabab bases in central Somalia after clashes, sources say
WARSHEEKH, Somalia — Airstrikes struck villages in the Warsheekh district of Somalia’s Middle Shabelle region, targeting al-Shabab fighters who had recently infiltrated the area, local sources said.
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The strikes were concentrated around the Jabad-godane area, which in recent days had been occupied by the militant group, according to the sources. The air campaign followed ground clashes between government troops and fighters loyal to al-Shabab as security forces moved to blunt the militants’ advance.
Aircraft from Somalia’s international partners later joined the operation, hitting defensive positions and other fortified sites used by the insurgents, the sources said. Details on the number of sorties or munitions used were not immediately available.
Government and locally allied forces have since surrounded Jabad-godane and are planning an operation to clear the area of remaining insurgents, according to people familiar with the security push. The overall death toll from the fighting and airstrikes has not been confirmed, and access to the area remains limited, complicating independent verification.
The operation underscores the strategic importance of Middle Shabelle, which borders the capital, Mogadishu, and serves as a transit corridor between the city and rural strongholds to the north. The district of Warsheekh, on the region’s coast, has been a focus of recent security sweeps aimed at disrupting al-Shabab’s ability to move fighters and supplies.
The strikes come amid heightened military activity as the federal government seeks to regain ground lost in recent months. Across HirShabelle state, which includes Middle Shabelle, insecurity has worsened as al-Shabab attempts to reassert control over territory previously reclaimed by Somali forces and their allies.
No immediate claims of responsibility or statements were released by al-Shabab regarding the reported losses. Somali authorities also did not provide a public assessment of casualties or damage, urging caution as operations continue. Historically, battlefield reports in Somalia can be difficult to corroborate due to shifting front lines and constrained communications.
The government has relied on a combination of ground assaults, local community mobilization and precision strikes by international partners to degrade al-Shabab’s defenses before advancing. Security officials say clearing operations in contested areas typically include efforts to secure key roads, identify improvised explosive devices and restore basic services to prevent the militants from returning.
As of late Monday, the situation in Jabad-godane remained tense, with security forces maintaining a perimeter and preparing for further action. Residents in surrounding villages have been advised to avoid movement near suspected militant positions while operations are underway.
Al-Shabab, which is allied with al-Qaeda, has waged an insurgency against Somalia’s federal government for over a decade. Despite periodic losses of territory, the group continues to conduct guerrilla attacks, bombings and ambushes, seeking to destabilize the state and undermine local administrations across central and southern regions.
Authorities said additional updates on the Middle Shabelle operation would be provided as the situation stabilizes and assessments become available.
By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.
