According to the Somali government, more than 35 militants were killed by operations carried out by the Somali military and “international partners” in Fiiqaay forest, Middle Shabelle on March 24, 2024.

The Somali Ministry of Defence (@MoDSomaliya) announced on X/Twitter that “Somali National Army neutralised 80+ Khawarij (al-Shabaab) militants, including leaders, were eliminated in planned operations conducted in Mudug, Middle Shabelle, and Bakool regions with support from international partners in the past 24 hours.” The statement did not identify which international parter was involved or what kind of operation was carried out.

A further statement issued by the Somali government and quoted by Shabelle Media Network further specified that “more than 35 terrorists were killed in this operation carried out by the National Army and international partners in the Fiiqaay forest, approximately 15km from Daru-Nicma area in Middle Shabelle region. The operation also destroyed military vehicles and military equipment targeted the terrorist militias who attacked the Daru-Nicma area.”

Multiple other sources, including Voice of America and TRT AFRIKA, a Turkish news source, provided the details released by the Somali government and noted that the casualty figures provided by the government had not been independently verified.

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.