Up to 40 members of al-Shabaab were killed and others were wounded by Somali forces and “international partner” airstrikes or ground operations near the village of Ali Foldhere on November 30, 2022.

Shabelle Media Network quoted the Somali government who announced that an operation carried out by the National Army, National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), and international partners in Ali Foldhere resulted in the death of up to 40 members of al-Shabaab and the wounding of others.

Garowe Online reported that the al-Shabaab militants were targeted while they were plotting their own attack in the town.

Reuters described the location of the operation as being in a forest near the village of Ali Foldhere under Mahaday town of Middle Shabelle region.

@BCFinucane pointed out that this was another operation with support from Somalia’s “international security partners” who were not specified. Garowe Online pointed out that similar military operations in the past involved US Africa Command and the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia [ATMIS]. While no sources directly implicated the US in the operation, the Somali government’s reference to “international partners” has in the past indicated US involvement but could also refer to Turkish involvement.