In response to al-Shabab's recent attacks, a US-Somali airstrike in Adan Yabaal targeted key militants, amidst ongoing fears of a jihadist resurgence despite prior military advancements.
US-Somalia Airstrike Targets Al-Shabab During Intense Town Battle
US-Somalia Airstrike Targets Al-Shabab During Intense Town Battle
A coordinated airstrike by US and Somali forces aims to dismantle al-Shabab's control in central Somalia amid rising militant activities.
The US and Somali forces have conducted a significant airstrike targeting Islamist militants as violent clashes erupted in the strategic town of Adan Yabaal, located north of Mogadishu. This coordinated strike resulted in the deaths of 12 al-Shabab fighters, including senior members of the infamous group, according to the Somali information ministry's statement.
The airstrike comes on the heels of an al-Shabab attack that aimed to secure control over a town that has historically served as a launchpad for military operations. As concerns grow over a potential resurgence of jihadist activities, the frequency of militant assaults, including a notable attack on President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's convoy last month, has heightened tensions.
Al-Shabab, deeply entrenched in parts of southern and central Somalia, has been engaged in a relentless battle to overthrow the government since 2004. Although the African Union peacekeeping force had previously pushed the jihadists onto the defensive in recent years, al-Shabab remains a significant threat, despite ongoing military efforts against it.
The joint strike by US Africa Command (Africom) and Somali armed forces was specifically designed to "neutralize the threat posed" by militants utilizing the site as their hideout. Authorities confirmed no civilian casualties from the airstrike, which occurred late on Wednesday.
Adan Yabaal has been a focal point of military engagements; it was taken by al-Shabab in 2016 but was recaptured by government forces in 2022. The recent assault led to heavy fighting, with reports indicating that al-Shabab militants successfully captured the town, though the Somali government has not confirmed this claim.
In another operational success, the Somali national army reported killing a further 35 militants near Baidoa, who attempted to assault an army base there. Despite these incidents, President Mohamud maintains a cautious optimism, suggesting that while setbacks may occur, the determination to defeat the militants remains unwavering.
