A coordinated airstrike by the US and Somali forces has killed at least 12 militants in a key town, Adan Yabaal, which remains pivotal in the ongoing combat against the Islamist group al-Shabab, amidst fears of their resurgence.
US-Somali Coalition Targets Al-Shabab in Strategic Airstrike
US-Somali Coalition Targets Al-Shabab in Strategic Airstrike
Airstrike launched in Adan Yabaal amid ongoing battles with militants for control of key region.
The United States in collaboration with Somalia conducted a decisive airstrike targeting Islamist militants in Adan Yabaal, situated north of Mogadishu, as violence escalates in the region. The strike was described as "well-coordinated," following a militant raid on the town, which plays a crucial role in military operations against al-Shabab. The Somali information ministry reported that among those killed were several high-ranking figures associated with the al-Qaeda-affiliated group, reflecting the strike's importance in combating a resurgence of jihadist activities.
Recent attacks have heightened concerns, especially following an assault last month that targeted President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s convoy, indicating the ongoing threat posed by al-Shabab, which has exerted control over large swathes of southern and central Somalia for nearly two decades. The group aims to dismantle the federal government to introduce an Islamist state. Though the African Union's peacekeeping forces have made headway in pushing the militants back, the Somali government insists that al-Shabab remains a significant threat.
The airstrike on Wednesday night was a response to an uptick of violence initiated by al-Shabab fighters utilizing heavy explosives in their assault on Adan Yabaal. While the town was initially overtaken by militants, reports indicate differing claims on its current control. Two local residents suggested that the town remained under al-Shabab's control despite the airstrike.
In a separate development, the Somali national army reportedly neutralized 35 militant fighters near Baidoa who attempted an assault on an army base. President Mohamud maintained a defiant stance, asserting that occasional military setbacks are expected, and reiterated his government’s commitment to overcoming the jihadist threat in the region, demonstrating both resilience and resolve in Somalia's protracted conflict with militant forces.
Recent attacks have heightened concerns, especially following an assault last month that targeted President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s convoy, indicating the ongoing threat posed by al-Shabab, which has exerted control over large swathes of southern and central Somalia for nearly two decades. The group aims to dismantle the federal government to introduce an Islamist state. Though the African Union's peacekeeping forces have made headway in pushing the militants back, the Somali government insists that al-Shabab remains a significant threat.
The airstrike on Wednesday night was a response to an uptick of violence initiated by al-Shabab fighters utilizing heavy explosives in their assault on Adan Yabaal. While the town was initially overtaken by militants, reports indicate differing claims on its current control. Two local residents suggested that the town remained under al-Shabab's control despite the airstrike.
In a separate development, the Somali national army reportedly neutralized 35 militant fighters near Baidoa who attempted an assault on an army base. President Mohamud maintained a defiant stance, asserting that occasional military setbacks are expected, and reiterated his government’s commitment to overcoming the jihadist threat in the region, demonstrating both resilience and resolve in Somalia's protracted conflict with militant forces.
