Somali army kills 22 Al-Shabaab militants in Lower Shabelle
Mogadishu (AX) — Somali National Army forces have killed at least 22 Al-Shabaab militants in a planned offensive in the Lower Shabelle region, the Ministry of Defense said Wednesday.
Friday May 1, 2026
Mogadishu (AX) — Somali National Army forces have killed at least 22 Al-Shabaab militants in a planned offensive in the Lower Shabelle region, the Ministry of Defense said Wednesday.
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In a statement, the ministry said the 72-hour operation struck militant positions in the Bulo Abdalla area, situated between Mubarak and Ugunji.
The assault combined ground fighting with coordinated airstrikes, and officials said it left 22 militants dead, among them a senior figure identified as Abdirahman Jeeri. Authorities said Jeeri was linked to attacks on civilians and other abuses.
The ministry said security operations are being stepped up as government forces work to wipe out what it described as the remaining Al-Shabaab presence and improve safety nationwide.
It also thanked international partners for their ongoing backing in counterterrorism efforts and in support of Somalia’s stabilization.