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Translated Author: Hiran News
Author: Hiiraan News
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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.
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.
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2026-04-07 19:56:34
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