Saturday January 10, 2026

Mogadishu (HOL) — Somali National Army forces, working in coordination with U.S. troops, carried out a planned overnight operation in Middle Juba that destroyed what officials described as al-Shabab’s largest explosives production facility and killed 18 militants, the Defense Ministry said Saturday.
The operation took place late Friday in Saakow district and targeted a factory used by the al-Qaida-linked group to manufacture and prepare explosive devices, according to a statement from the Ministry of Defense and the Somali National Army Command. The facility was completely destroyed during the strike.
Officials said those killed included engineers and specialists involved in the production of explosives used in attacks against civilians and security forces.
The ministry said the operation was part of ongoing efforts to degrade al-Shabab’s ability to plan and carry out attacks, particularly through the use of improvised explosive devices, which remain one of the group’s most lethal tactics.
The Somali government praised the close cooperation between Somali forces and international partners, saying such coordination continues to play a critical role in counterterrorism operations across southern and central Somalia.
“The Ministry of Defense and the Somali National Army Command reaffirm their commitment to intensifying counterterrorism operations and strengthening efforts to safeguard the safety and security of the public,” the statement said.
Middle Juba, including Saakow, has long been a stronghold for al-Shabab and a key logistical hub for the group’s operations. Despite sustained military pressure, the militants continue to use rural areas to manufacture weapons and stage attacks.
Al-Shabab has waged an insurgency against Somalia’s federal government for more than a decade. While Somali forces, backed by international partners, have reclaimed territory in recent years, the group remains capable of mounting deadly attacks, making the destruction of explosives facilities a priority for security officials.
The government said operations would continue as part of a broader campaign to dismantle al-Shabab’s infrastructure and weaken its ability to threaten Somalia’s stability.