Amid intensified fighting for control of Adan Yabaal, the U.S. and Somalia launch a successful airstrike against senior al-Shabab militants, showcasing the ongoing battle against jihadist threats in the region.
Airstrike Targets Al-Shabab Amid Ongoing Battle for Adan Yabaal
Airstrike Targets Al-Shabab Amid Ongoing Battle for Adan Yabaal
Coordinated U.S. and Somali strikes aim to counter Islamist militants in key strategic town.
The U.S. and Somali military forces conducted a well-coordinated airstrike against Islamist militants in Adan Yabaal, a crucial town north of Mogadishu, intensifying efforts to reclaim control from al-Shabab militants. The attack, which reportedly killed 12 members of the group, including senior fighters, came shortly after al-Shabab had raided the town, which serves as a base for military operations.
The Somali information ministry announced the airstrike on X, describing it as a preventive measure against the growing threat posed by al-Shabab, which has been active in Somalia for nearly two decades. This recent engagement comes amid rising concerns about the resurgence of jihadist activities in the country, particularly following an attack last month on President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's convoy.
Al-Shabab has maintained significant control over large areas in southern and central Somalia, continuing its mission to overthrow the federal government and establish an extremist state. Although the African Union-led forces had successfully pushed the group back in 2022 and 2023, the threat remains substantial despite ongoing military operations.
Government officials indicated that the airstrike was a direct response to al-Shabab's takeover of Adan Yabaal in 2016, a town previously retaken by Somali forces in 2022. Local reports suggest that heavy fighting erupted also in Wednesday, with militants utilizing explosives during the raid. It's unclear who currently controls the town following these events, but local residents have confirmed that al-Shabab had taken over at one point.
In a separate military engagement, the Somali national army claimed responsibility for killing at least 35 militants near Baidoa on Thursday after they attempted to attack an army base, highlighting the ongoing counteroffensive against Islamist fighters.
Despite these recent losses, President Mohamud remains committed to facing the challenges posed by al-Shabab. He has characterized the group's advances as temporary setbacks, reiterating his administration's resolve to defeat the militants and restore stability to the region.
The Somali information ministry announced the airstrike on X, describing it as a preventive measure against the growing threat posed by al-Shabab, which has been active in Somalia for nearly two decades. This recent engagement comes amid rising concerns about the resurgence of jihadist activities in the country, particularly following an attack last month on President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's convoy.
Al-Shabab has maintained significant control over large areas in southern and central Somalia, continuing its mission to overthrow the federal government and establish an extremist state. Although the African Union-led forces had successfully pushed the group back in 2022 and 2023, the threat remains substantial despite ongoing military operations.
Government officials indicated that the airstrike was a direct response to al-Shabab's takeover of Adan Yabaal in 2016, a town previously retaken by Somali forces in 2022. Local reports suggest that heavy fighting erupted also in Wednesday, with militants utilizing explosives during the raid. It's unclear who currently controls the town following these events, but local residents have confirmed that al-Shabab had taken over at one point.
In a separate military engagement, the Somali national army claimed responsibility for killing at least 35 militants near Baidoa on Thursday after they attempted to attack an army base, highlighting the ongoing counteroffensive against Islamist fighters.
Despite these recent losses, President Mohamud remains committed to facing the challenges posed by al-Shabab. He has characterized the group's advances as temporary setbacks, reiterating his administration's resolve to defeat the militants and restore stability to the region.
