In a significant escalation of ongoing conflict, US and Somali forces launched an airstrike against al-Shabab militants during intense clashes for control over the strategic town of Adan Yabaal, located north of Mogadishu. The strike was described by the Somali government as "well-coordinated," occurring just hours after militants attacked the town, which serves as a critical hub for military operations. Reports indicate the precision strike resulted in the deaths of 12 militants, including several high-ranking members of the al-Qaeda-affiliated group, according to the Somali information ministry's statement shared on X.
The attack comes amid rising concerns of al-Shabab's resurgence following a series of violent incidents in Somalia. The group, which has been engaged in combat against the government for nearly two decades, aims to dismantle the federal regime and establish an Islamic state. While the African Union-led peacekeeping forces made significant territorial gains against the jihadists in recent years, al-Shabab continues to pose a dangerous threat, especially following attacks on prominent figures, including President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
The Somali government has claimed that the airstrike was essential to "neutralize the threat posed" by these militants. It emphasized that the strike specifically targeted a militant hideout, ensuring no civilian casualties occurred. Adan Yabaal, previously captured by al-Shabab in 2016 and regained by government forces in 2022, witnessed heavy fighting earlier this week as militants utilized explosives to stage their assault. While local residents reported that al-Shabab had seized control of the town once again, the government has not confirmed the current status of Adan Yabaal.
Separately, the national army reported successful operations near Baidoa, where they killed at least 35 militants attempting to attack an army base. Despite ongoing military challenges, President Mohamud remains optimistic, asserting the government's commitment to defeating al-Shabab, even in the face of sporadic setbacks on the battlefield.
The attack comes amid rising concerns of al-Shabab's resurgence following a series of violent incidents in Somalia. The group, which has been engaged in combat against the government for nearly two decades, aims to dismantle the federal regime and establish an Islamic state. While the African Union-led peacekeeping forces made significant territorial gains against the jihadists in recent years, al-Shabab continues to pose a dangerous threat, especially following attacks on prominent figures, including President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
The Somali government has claimed that the airstrike was essential to "neutralize the threat posed" by these militants. It emphasized that the strike specifically targeted a militant hideout, ensuring no civilian casualties occurred. Adan Yabaal, previously captured by al-Shabab in 2016 and regained by government forces in 2022, witnessed heavy fighting earlier this week as militants utilized explosives to stage their assault. While local residents reported that al-Shabab had seized control of the town once again, the government has not confirmed the current status of Adan Yabaal.
Separately, the national army reported successful operations near Baidoa, where they killed at least 35 militants attempting to attack an army base. Despite ongoing military challenges, President Mohamud remains optimistic, asserting the government's commitment to defeating al-Shabab, even in the face of sporadic setbacks on the battlefield.
