The United States and Somali armed forces have carried out a coordinated airstrike against al-Shabab militants amid intense fighting over the control of Adan Yabaal, a strategically important town in central Somalia. The Somali government confirmed that the strike, conducted late Wednesday, resulted in the death of 12 militants, including several senior members of the al-Qaeda-affiliated group.
Adan Yabaal, located in the Middle Shabelle region north of Mogadishu, has served as a critical military operations hub. The airstrike followed an al-Shabab raid on the town, during which the militants used heavy explosives in an attempt to retake the area. Although the government did not confirm who currently controls Adan Yabaal, local reports suggest the militants may have seized it.
The Somali Ministry of Information stated that the airstrike, conducted with support from US Africa Command (Africom), specifically targeted a militant hideout and gathering site. Authorities emphasized that there were no civilian casualties, underlining the precision of the operation.
Al-Shabab has waged an insurgency in Somalia for nearly two decades, seeking to overthrow the federal government and impose its strict interpretation of Islamic law. Despite numerous military campaigns and support from the African Union peacekeeping forces, the group continues to pose a serious threat, particularly in southern and central regions of the country.
The recent surge in al-Shabab activity includes an attack on President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s convoy last month, fueling concerns about a potential jihadist resurgence. President Mohamud has remained defiant, downplaying temporary setbacks and reiterating his administration’s commitment to defeating the militants.
Adan Yabaal had been under al-Shabab control since 2016 before government forces recaptured it in 2022. The town’s strategic value was underscored by the president’s recent visit, where he met with military leaders.
In a separate clash on Thursday near the city of Baidoa, Somali national forces reportedly killed at least 35 al-Shabab fighters during an attempted assault on an army base. The government continues to assert that al-Shabab has been significantly weakened, even as the group carries out deadly counterattacks.
The ongoing operations mark a crucial phase in Somalia’s long-standing battle against terrorism, with international support playing a key role in disrupting militant activities and stabilizing the region.
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