The Somali National Army, in coordination with local militia groups, killed at least 20 Al-Shabaab militants after an attack on military positions in the central Hiraan region, the Defense Ministry said late Sunday.
A few more militants fled the scene and follow-up operations are still ongoing, according to the ministry’s statement on X. “The Defense Ministry is committed to protecting Somalia and eliminating the threat from Al-Shabaab,” the statement said.
The clashes took place in Hiraan, a key point in the ongoing fight against the Al-Qaeda-linked group since renewed military efforts began in 2022. Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attack through its affiliated Al-Furqaan website and claimed to have killed 33 soldiers.
Separately, the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) reported that it was conducting joint operations with international allies in the Mabah district of Hiraan and the Yabaal district of Aden in the Middle Shabelle region. The agency said the operations had caused casualties to al-Shabaab fighters, referred to by the Somali government as “Hawarij,” and key leaders.
Somalia continues to struggle with threats from extremist groups, with al-Shabaab and ISIS remaining the most dangerous actors. Al-Shabaab has been waging an armed campaign against the government since 2007, frequently targeting military and political figures.