In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted an airstrike targeting al-Shabaab between the evening of Jan. 3-4, 2026.The airstrike occurred in the vicinity of Jilib, Somalia, approximately 100 km north of Kismayo.AFRICOM, alongside the Federal Government of Somalia and Somali Armed Forces, continues to take action to degrade al-Shabaab’s ability to threaten the U.S. Homeland, our forces, and our citizens abroad.Specific details about units and assets will not be released to ensure continued operations security.

The Ministry of Defence of the Federal Government of Somalia has provided information on a recent operation that took place in the Ceel Cilaan area, located 30 kilometers east of Baardheere in the Gedo region of Jubbaland. According to the federal government, the operation was aimed at members of Al-Shabaab (AS), with reports indicating that five militants were targeted in ths operations. The operation successfully destroyed strongholds belonging to the group in the area, as stated by official sources. The Ministry emphasized its commitment to continuing operations until Al-Shabaab fighters are eliminated from all regions they inhabit. The security agencies indicated that the operations reflects an ongoing strategy to regain control and improve security in areas affected by the militant group. “The Somali National Army is actively conducting operations as part of our broader strategy to combat terrorism in the Horn of Africa. Our primary objective is to weaken Al-Shabaab’s influence and ensure the safety and security of our local communities. We are committed to eradicating extremist elements and restoring stability in the regions affected.”Security officer said Military forces from the Somali National Army are carrying out these operations as part of broader efforts to combat terrorism in the Horn of Africa. The government aims to weaken Al-Shabaab’s influence and ensure the safety of local communities. Authorities encourage continued support for these military initiatives, stressing the importance of collaborative efforts in eradicating extremist elements and restoring stability throughout the region. Mustaqbal

Sunday January 4, 2026 Mogadishu (HOL) — Somali National Army Danab special forces killed 15 al-Shabab militants and captured eight others during a targeted military operation in Jilib district late Saturday, the Defense Ministry said. The overnight raid focused on militant positions in the strategic town of Jilib, a long-standing stronghold of the al-Qaida-linked group in southern Somalia. Officials said the operation was part of ongoing efforts to disrupt al-Shabab’s leadership, logistics and ability to launch attacks. In a statement, the Ministry of Defense said the mission highlighted the army’s expanding operational capabilities, including the use of air mobility to strike militant targets with speed and precision. “The mission demonstrated the growing operational capability of the Somali National Army, particularly the effective use of air mobility to expand operational reach and engage the enemy at any time and in any location,” the ministry said. The Defense Ministry and the Somali National Army Command praised the Danab forces for what they described as professionalism and readiness, reaffirming the federal government’s commitment to continuing military operations against the group. Officials said operations would persist “until the terrorist threat is fully eradicated and lasting peace and stability are secured for the Somali people.” Al-Shabab has waged an insurgency against Somalia’s federal government for more than a decade, carrying out bombings, assassinations and complex attacks on military bases, government institutions and civilians. Despite sustained pressure from Somali forces backed by international partners, the group continues to hold influence in parts of southern and central Somalia. Jilib, in particular, has remained a key operational and symbolic center for al-Shabab, making it a frequent target of Somali and allied military operations aimed at weakening the group’s command structure and territorial control.

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia’s defence ministry said on Sunday that elite national army forces carried out a major overnight operation in the town of Jilib in the Middle Juba region, killing at least 15 Al-Shabaab fighters and capturing eight others. In a statement, the ministry said the Danab special forces conducted a “planned and targeted” raid against Al-Shabaab positions in Jilib, a long-time stronghold of the Al-Qaeda-linked group. The operation was executed at night and involved what the ministry described as a high level of coordination and tactical precision. The defence ministry said the raid highlighted the growing operational capacity of the Somali National Army, particularly its increased use of air mobility, which it said has enabled forces to expand operations and strike militant targets “anywhere and at any time”. Somalia has intensified military operations against Al-Shabaab in recent years, backed by local militias and international partners, as the government seeks to dismantle the group, which has waged a deadly insurgency for more than 15 years. The ministry reiterated that operations against Al-Shabaab would continue until the group is fully eliminated and no longer poses a threat to Somalia’s security, stability and statehood.

Mevlut OzkanJanuary 04, 2026•Update: January 05, 2026ISTANBUL Somali special forces killed 15 and captured eight al-Shabaab terrorists in southern Somalia, the country’s Defense Ministry said on Sunday.The Somali army’s Danab special forces carried out a night operation on Saturday in Jilib district, southern region of Middle Juba, targeting the al-Qaeda-linked al-Shabaab terrorist group, the ministry said in a statement.It said the operation demonstrated the Somali National Army’s growing capabilities, including the use of air mobility to extend operational reach and engage militants across the region.Al-Shabaab has been pursuing an insurgency against the Somali government for more than 16 years, frequently targeting security forces, officials, and civilians.Since late 2024, the Somali National Army and security forces in the semi-autonomous region of Puntland have increased air raids against al-Shabaab in the south and central provinces and ISIS (Daesh) in the northeastern Bari region, with the support of international security partners.

MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – U.S. and Somali forces carried out a helicopter raid supported by drones near Jilib, Al Shabaab’s largest stronghold in southern Somalia, officials said on Sunday.The Somali army said the operation targeted Hargeisa Yarey village, near Jilib, killing 15 militants and wounding eight others. Somalia’s defence minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi said the raid dealt a major blow to the Islamist group.Al Shabaab gave a different account. The group said, via its affiliated media, the joint U.S.-Somali commando operation had failed. It said one civilian was killed by direct gunfire and several others were wounded, including people it said were injured by indiscriminate mortar fire on Jilib town.The claims by both sides could not be independently verified, and neither provided evidence.The raid followed another helicopter operation announced by Somalia’s government days earlier in the town of Bula Fulay. Officials said militants were killed, while Al Shabaab said its fighters repelled the assault and that only civilians died.The operations come amid an increase in U.S. special operations and air strikes against Al Shabaab. The Somali government recently said a U.S. air strike on Dec. 10 killed the group’s explosives expert and lead engineer on that front, Abdullahi Osman.That claim has not been independently verified. The same man has previously been reported by the federal government to have been killed several times, only to later reappear on the U.S. rewards list for wanted terrorists.Contact us: info@somaliguardian.com

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somali security forces, supported by international partners, have significantly ramped up military operations across southern Somalia, striking key militant strongholds and reclaiming territory from Al-Shabaab. The coordinated surge, involving elite commando units and airstrikes, has targeted the group’s leadership, infrastructure, and territorial grip in the Bay, Middle Juba, and Lower Shabelle regions. High-Stakes Raids in Bay and Middle Juba In a major overnight operation on January 3, 2026, the Somali elite Danab Special Forces, backed by international partners, conducted a raid in the Buula Fuleey area of the Bay region. Military sources report that over 20 Al-Shabaab militants, including several senior leaders, were eliminated. The assault successfully destroyed key command sites and dismantled a militant-operated radio station used for propaganda. This follows a separate joint operation involving U.S. and Somali forces near Jilib, a primary Al-Shabaab stronghold. Officials stated that a raid on Hargeisa Yarey village, utilizing helicopters and drones, resulted in 15 militants killed and eight wounded. Somalia’s Defense Minister, Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, characterized the mission as a “significant blow” to the Islamist group. However, Al-Shabaab has issued conflicting reports regarding these engagements: Jilib Raid: The group claimed the operation failed, alleging that one civilian was killed by gunfire and several others were wounded by “indiscriminate mortar fire.” Verification: None of the claims from either side have been independently verified. Strategic Territorial Gains in Lower Shabelle While special operations targeted leadership, conventional forces and intelligence units successfully expanded government authority in the Lower Shabelle region. The Gor-Gor Commando unit, the 14 October Brigade, and the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) executed a planned security mission to take control of Marka and Jilib Marka. Reports indicate that Al-Shabaab militants abandoned their positions and retreated as government forces advanced. Local residents, who had lived under militant intimidation for years, reportedly expressed relief and welcomed the arrival of national troops. Operational Summary of Recent Engagements The following table summarizes the key military engagements reported in the first week of January 2026. Location Region Reported Casualties (Militants) Key Outcome Buula Fuleey Bay 20+ Killed Senior leaders eliminated; radio station destroyed. Jilib Middle Juba 15 Killed, 8 Wounded Significant command site targeted via air & ground. Jabad Godane Middle Shabelle 29 Killed Airstrikes destroyed weapons intended for civilians. Marka / Jilib Marka Lower Shabelle N/A (Retreat) Town liberated; government authority established. Wargaadhi Middle Shabelle Repelled Militant assault defeated by army and local militia. Broader Context of Escalation These recent missions are part of a broader, intensified campaign to weaken Al-Shabaab’s financial and operational capabilities. This escalation includes: Targeting Leadership: The Somali government recently claimed a U.S. airstrike killed Al-Shabaab’s lead explosives expert, Abdullahi Osman. (Note: This remains unverified, as Osman has been reported killed in the past only to reappear on terror watchlists). International Coordination: These strikes align with Somalia assuming the Presidency of the UN Security Council for January 2026, where President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is expected to prioritize regional security and the rule of law. As the Somali government continues to leverage international air support and elite ground units, the focus remains on stabilizing reclaimed territories and degrading the militants’ ability to coordinate large-scale attacks.

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somali security forces, supported by international partners, have significantly ramped up military operations across southern Somalia, striking key militant strongholds and reclaiming territory from Al-Shabaab. The coordinated surge, involving elite commando units and airstrikes, has targeted the group’s leadership, infrastructure, and territorial grip in the Bay, Middle Juba, and Lower Shabelle regions. High-Stakes Raids in Bay and Middle Juba In a major overnight operation on January 3, 2026, the Somali elite Danab Special Forces, backed by international partners, conducted a raid in the Buula Fuleey area of the Bay region. Military sources report that over 20 Al-Shabaab militants, including several senior leaders, were eliminated. The assault successfully destroyed key command sites and dismantled a militant-operated radio station used for propaganda. This follows a separate joint operation involving U.S. and Somali forces near Jilib, a primary Al-Shabaab stronghold. Officials stated that a raid on Hargeisa Yarey village, utilizing helicopters and drones, resulted in 15 militants killed and eight wounded. Somalia’s Defense Minister, Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, characterized the mission as a “significant blow” to the Islamist group. However, Al-Shabaab has issued conflicting reports regarding these engagements: Jilib Raid: The group claimed the operation failed, alleging that one civilian was killed by gunfire and several others were wounded by “indiscriminate mortar fire.” Verification: None of the claims from either side have been independently verified. Strategic Territorial Gains in Lower Shabelle While special operations targeted leadership, conventional forces and intelligence units successfully expanded government authority in the Lower Shabelle region. The Gor-Gor Commando unit, the 14 October Brigade, and the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) executed a planned security mission to take control of Marka and Jilib Marka. Reports indicate that Al-Shabaab militants abandoned their positions and retreated as government forces advanced. Local residents, who had lived under militant intimidation for years, reportedly expressed relief and welcomed the arrival of national troops. Operational Summary of Recent Engagements The following table summarizes the key military engagements reported in the first week of January 2026. Location Region Reported Casualties (Militants) Key Outcome Buula Fuleey Bay 20+ Killed Senior leaders eliminated; radio station destroyed. Jilib Middle Juba 15 Killed, 8 Wounded Significant command site targeted via air & ground. Jabad Godane Middle Shabelle 29 Killed Airstrikes destroyed weapons intended for civilians. Marka / Jilib Marka Lower Shabelle N/A (Retreat) Town liberated; government authority established. Wargaadhi Middle Shabelle Repelled Militant assault defeated by army and local militia. Broader Context of Escalation These recent missions are part of a broader, intensified campaign to weaken Al-Shabaab’s financial and operational capabilities. This escalation includes: Targeting Leadership: The Somali government recently claimed a U.S. airstrike killed Al-Shabaab’s lead explosives expert, Abdullahi Osman. (Note: This remains unverified, as Osman has been reported killed in the past only to reappear on terror watchlists). International Coordination: These strikes align with Somalia assuming the Presidency of the UN Security Council for January 2026, where President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is expected to prioritize regional security and the rule of law. As the Somali government continues to leverage international air support and elite ground units, the focus remains on stabilizing reclaimed territories and degrading the militants’ ability to coordinate large-scale attacks.