Somali forces have killed nearly 30 Al-Shabaab fighters, including senior commanders, in a major operation aimed at dismantling the militant group’s presence in Middle Shabelle, the Ministry of Defense announced on Monday.
The operation carried out near the village of Hawaadley, was hailed as a success by officials. “Our forces eliminated close to 30 Al-Shabaab operatives, including top leaders and fighters,” said Defense Ministry spokesperson Abukar Mohamed.
Among the militants killed were senior figures critical to Al-Shabaab’s operations: Abu Busri, also known as Zakariye; Hassan Hussein, alias Abu Hamama; Hassan Nasrallah, known as Abu Baras; and Abdurahman, referred to as Moalin Aden.
The operation is part of a national campaign to weaken Al-Shabaab’s grip on central and southern Somalia.
Hawaadley, a strategic area within Middle Shabelle, has long been a hub for Al-Shabaab’s logistical and operational activities. Clearing this stronghold is seen as a vital step in dismantling the group’s network and securing nearby regions.
While government forces have made significant gains, challenges persist. Al-Shabaab continues to launch deadly attacks, including suicide bombings and ambushes, aimed at undermining security efforts and spreading fear among local populations.
Al-Shabaab, affiliated with al-Qaeda, has waged a brutal insurgency for more than a decade, exploiting Somalia’s political instability and lack of centralized authority. The group has maintained a stranglehold over key areas, using extortion, propaganda, and violence to enforce its rule.
