Local and official sources alleged that 10 al-Shabaab militants were killed and others were injured by Somalia National Army operations and airstrikes near Hawda Qaycad on February 15, 2023.

Abdi Garad Omar Mohamed, one of the officials of Wisil district in Mudug region, told Mustaqbal Media News that around 60 members of al-Shabaab were killed in a battle that took place in Hawda Qaida in the south of Mudug region. The source added that battle was accompanied by airstrikes against an al-Shabaab base near Hawda Qaycad.

The official Twitter account of the Somali National Army Radio Snaradio announced that “@SNAForce
with the support of the Galmudug State forces and local forces killed 10 #AlShabaab and injured others after conducting a planned operations against terrorists’ hideout at #Qaycad area in Mudug region.” The tweet did not mention airstrikes in assistance.

AFRICOM announced airstrikes in a different region near Bacadweyne on February 15th that resulted in the death of 5 al-Shabaa militants.

While no sources directly implicated the US in the operation, the Somali government’s reference to airstrikes has in the past indicated US involvement.