The US and Somalia have carried out an airstrike against Islamist militants during a battle for control of a strategic central town, according to the government. The "well-coordinated" strike on Adan Yabaal, located north of Mogadishu, occurred just hours after al-Shabab raided the town, which serves as a vital launchpad for military operations. The Somali information ministry stated that among the 12 militants killed in the airstrike were several senior fighters from the al-Qaeda-linked group.
The latest fighting has stoked concerns over a jihadist resurgence in Somalia following a string of militant attacks, notably one that targeted President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's convoy last month. Al-Shabab, which controls extensive regions of southern and central Somalia, has fought the government for nearly 20 years, aiming to topple the federal government and impose an Islamist regime.
Despite the African Union-led peacekeeping force having pushed the jihadists onto the defensive in 2022 and 2023, they remain a significant threat, even as the Somali government asserts that the group has been diminished. The airstrike, which occurred late on Wednesday, was conducted by Somali armed forces in conjunction with the US Africa Command (Africom) to neutralize the perceived threat from militants. Importantly, the information ministry noted that there were no civilian casualties as a result of the strike.
Adan Yabaal, situated in the Middle Shabelle region, was captured by al-Shabab in 2016 and subsequently recaptured by government forces in 2022. Heavy fighting erupted early Wednesday after al-Shabab fighters, using heavy explosives, raided the town. Later, the group claimed they had seized control. Two local residents confirmed to AFP that militants had taken over Adan Yabaal, although the government did not clarify who controls the town.
President Mohamud visited Adan Yabaal last month, emphasizing its strategic significance in the fight against the militants. In a related incident, the national army reported killing at least 35 fighters near Baidoa on Thursday after they attempted to assault an army base. Throughout these developments, President Mohamud has downplayed al-Shabab's advances, asserting his government's commitment to defeating the militants.
