In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted an airstrike targeting al-Shabaab militants on Jan. 27, 2026.The airstrike occurred in the vicinity of Godane, approximately 60 km northeast of Mogadishu. AFRICOM, alongside the Federal Government of Somalia and Somali Armed Forces, continues to take action to degrade al-Shabaab’s ability to threaten our forces and citizens abroad.Specific details about units and assets will not be released to ensure continued operations security.

Tuesday January 27, 2026 Mogadishu (HOL) — Somali government forces, backed by international partners, have killed at least 150 Al-Shabab militants during military operations that have been underway for more than two weeks in the Middle Shabelle region, Somalia’s defense minister said Tuesday. Defense Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi said the operations focused on the Jabad Godane area and nearby locations, which he described as a key militant stronghold. He said those killed included six senior commanders of the group. “By the grace of God and the bravery of the National Army, and with the support of our international friends, we have cleared the Khawarij enemy from the Jabad Godane area,” Fiqi said. “Between 120 and 150 militants were killed in these operations, including six leaders.” Fiqi said the Middle Shabelle campaign was part of a broader push against Al-Shabab that has also delivered heavy losses to the group in southern Somalia. He cited recent fighting in the Kudhaa area of the Lower Juba region, where officials have said more than 200 militants were killed after government and allied forces repelled a prolonged assault. He praised the performance of elite Danab units and Jubbaland forces in Kudhaa, saying the outcomes in both Middle Shabelle and Lower Juba demonstrate the growing capability of Somalia’s armed forces. “These victories show that the National Army is capable of defending the country,” Fiqi said, dismissing critics who have questioned the army’s strength and cohesion. The defense minister also thanked Türkiye and the United States for their support, which he said included airstrikes, intelligence assistance and military equipment used during the operations. Al-Shabab has not commented on the reported casualty figures. The group frequently carries out large-scale attacks on military bases and towns but rarely acknowledges losses claimed by government officials. The fighting comes as Somalia intensifies its campaign against the al-Qaida-linked group across central and southern regions, seeking to dismantle remaining militant strongholds and consolidate gains made by federal forces and allied local militias.

Facebook Twitter (X) Instagram Somali Magazine - People's Magazine Somali government forces, working alongside international partners, have killed at least 150 Al-Shabab militants during an intensive military campaign in the Middle Shabelle region that has been ongoing for more than two weeks, according to the country’s defense minister. The operations are part of a broader national effort to weaken the armed group and restore stability in areas long affected by violence. Defense Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi said the offensive focused mainly on the Jabad Godane area and surrounding locations, which he described as one of Al-Shabab’s most important strongholds in central Somalia. He confirmed that those killed included six senior commanders, dealing a significant blow to the group’s leadership structure in the region. Speaking to the media, Fiqi praised the Somali National Army for its performance and emphasized that the success of the operation was achieved through determination, coordination, and external support. He said government forces, backed by international allies, were able to clear militants from areas they had controlled for years, allowing security forces to regain ground and secure key routes. The defense minister said the Middle Shabelle operation is part of a wider campaign targeting Al-Shabab across central and southern Somalia. He pointed to recent clashes in the Kudhaa area of the Lower Juba region, where government troops and allied forces repelled a prolonged militant attack. According to officials, more than 200 Al-Shabab fighters were killed during those confrontations, marking another major setback for the group. Fiqi highlighted the role played by elite Danab special forces and Jubbaland regional troops in the Lower Juba fighting, saying their discipline and coordination were crucial to the outcome. He said the results from both Middle Shabelle and Lower Juba show that Somalia’s security forces are becoming stronger, more capable, and better organized. “These victories prove that the Somali National Army is able to defend the country and protect its people,” Fiqi said, rejecting claims from critics who have questioned the army’s unity and effectiveness. He added that continued progress on the battlefield would help build public confidence and encourage displaced communities to return home. The defense minister also expressed gratitude to international partners, particularly Türkiye and the United States, for their continued support. He said their assistance included air support, intelligence sharing, and military equipment, all of which played an important role in the recent operations. Fiqi noted that cooperation with international allies remains essential as Somalia works to eliminate remaining militant networks. Al-Shabab has not issued any response to the government’s claims regarding casualty figures or the loss of senior leaders. The group often carries out high-profile attacks on military bases, government institutions, and civilian targets but rarely confirms losses reported by Somali authorities. The latest fighting comes as Somalia steps up its nationwide campaign against the al-Qaida-linked group, aiming to dismantle its remaining strongholds and prevent it from regrouping. Federal forces, together with local militias and regional administrations, are seeking to secure liberated areas, reopen supply routes, and restore basic services to communities affected by years of conflict. Officials say the government remains committed to sustaining military pressure while also focusing on stabilization and governance in recovered territories. As operations continue, authorities hope the recent gains will weaken Al-Shabab’s ability to launch attacks and bring the country closer to lasting peace and security.

Mogadishu (Kaab TV) — Somali government forces, supported by international partners, have killed at least 150 Al-Shabab militants during military operations that have been ongoing for more than two weeks in Somalia’s Middle Shabelle region, Defense Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi said Tuesday. Fiqi said the operations targeted the Jabad Godane area and surrounding locations, describing them as key militant strongholds. He added that those killed included six senior Al-Shabab commanders. “By the grace of God and the bravery of the National Army, and with the support of our international friends, we have cleared the Khawarij enemy from the Jabad Godane area,” Fiqi said. “Between 120 and 150 militants were killed in these operations, including six leaders.” The defense minister said the Middle Shabelle campaign is part of a broader offensive against Al-Shabab that has inflicted heavy losses on the group in southern Somalia as well. He pointed to recent fighting in the Kudhaa area of the Lower Juba region, where officials said more than 200 militants were killed after government and allied forces repelled a prolonged assault. Fiqi praised the performance of elite Danab units and Jubbaland forces in Kudhaa, saying the outcomes in both Middle Shabelle and Lower Juba demonstrate the growing capabilities of Somalia’s armed forces. “These victories show that the National Army is capable of defending the country,” he said, dismissing critics who have questioned the army’s strength and cohesion. He also thanked Türkiye and the United States for their support, noting that it included airstrikes, intelligence assistance, and military equipment used during the operations. Al-Shabab has not commented on the reported casualty figures. The group frequently carries out large-scale attacks on military bases and towns but rarely acknowledges losses claimed by government officials. The fighting comes as Somalia intensifies its campaign against the al-Qaida-linked group across central and southern regions, aiming to dismantle remaining militant strongholds and consolidate gains made by federal forces and allied local militias.

In the Jabad Godane area of Shabeelaha region, fighting has been going on in the past days, the holes of AS group are still being cuffed.   · Hide original   · Rate this translation

Deegaanka Jabad Godane ee Gobolka Shabeelaha Dhexe, maalmihii la soo dhaafay dagaal ayaa ka socday, godadkii Kooxda AS ayaa wali la qufayaa. In the Jabad Godane area of Shabeelaha region, fighting has been going on in the past days, the holes of AS group are still being cuffed.   · Hide original   · Rate this translation