Somali army kills six al-Shabab militants in Lower Shabelle
According to the ministry, the Somali National Army, working alongside international partners, launched the operation in the Ugunji area after intelligence indicated that al-Shabab fighters were massing there in preparation for an attack.
Saturday May 23, 2026
Mogadishu (AX) — Somali government forces killed six al-Shabab militants on Friday in a planned operation in Somalia’s Lower Shabelle region, the Ministry of Defense said.
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According to the ministry, the Somali National Army, working alongside international partners, launched the operation in the Ugunji area after intelligence indicated that al-Shabab fighters were massing there in preparation for an attack.
The ministry said six militants were killed and that weapons and other military equipment used by the group were destroyed during the raid.
It gave no further information about whether civilians were harmed or whether Somali forces suffered any losses.
The strike comes as Somali troops and allied partners have increased pressure on al-Shabab in southern and central Somalia, stepping up military operations against the insurgent group.
The Ministry of Defense said the armed forces would continue and intensify actions targeting the militants, while urging the public to work with security agencies.
Al-Shabab, an al-Qaida-linked armed group, remains active across Somalia despite sustained campaigns by Somali forces, local militias and international partners.
