Somali Forces kill over 100 Al-Shabaab fighters in Lower Shabelle region

Members of the Somali National Army, paramilitary troops and local tribal forces conduct a cleanup operation against Al-Shabaab terrorists in the Lower Shabelle region on February 13, 2024. (Photo: SNTV)

By Abdirahman Khalif
Tuesday, August 19, 2025

The attacks were conducted using precision airstrikes, followed by a ground advance from Danab units to secure control and confirm the impact.

Somali National Army forces, led by the Danab Commandos and supported by international partners, carried out a large operation against Al-Shabaab hideouts in Awdheegle district in the Lower Shabelle region.

The Ministry of Defence said the offensive combined airstrikes with ground manoeuvres and resulted in the deaths of more than 100 members of the group, including senior commanders.

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According to the Ministry, the operation targeted defensive tunnels, bunkers, and hideouts where Al-Shabaab fighters and commanders were believed to be stationed. The attacks were conducted using precision airstrikes, followed by a ground advance from Danab units to secure control and confirm the impact.

“During the operation, our forces eliminated over 100 members of the Khawaarij group, including key commanders. The enemy’s hideouts and defensive positions were destroyed by airstrikes, while Danab units moved in on the ground to secure and verify the success of the mission,” the Ministry said in its statement.

The Ministry did not release the names of the commanders reported to have been killed. It said those targeted had been preparing to resist an upcoming campaign called “Silent Storm,” which is being carried out by Somali National Army forces and AUSSOM units across Lower Shabelle. The aim of Silent Storm is to break Al-Shabaab’s ability to organise counterattacks and to expand government control in the south.

The Somali National News Agency reported that the Awdheegle operation began late on Sunday and continued into the early hours of Monday. The agency said the move followed recent gains in other Lower Shabelle towns, including Sabiid, Caanoole and Bariire, where government forces had launched separate actions to push the group out.

Military officials described Awdheegle as a strategic area that connects farming communities along the Shabelle River. They said that by targeting this district, the government intended to cut off a supply line that Al-Shabaab had long used for weapons, food, and the movement of fighters.

The Ministry of Defence stressed that the combination of air and ground tactics was chosen to make sure that cleared areas remain under control. It said stabilisation efforts were underway in Awdheegle and nearby villages, with troops stationed to prevent the group from returning.

Since July, Somali security forces, working with African Union troops, have stepped up military offensives across Lower Shabelle. Officials said these operations are part of a larger plan to weaken Al-Shabaab before Somalia assumes full responsibility for national security as international forces gradually withdraw.

The Ministry has said the country’s goal is to build a security structure able to defend against insurgent threats without external support.

Al-Shabab has fought an armed campaign in Somalia for more than sixteen years. The group, which is linked to al-Qaida, continues to carry out suicide bombings, assassinations, and roadside attacks against civilians, security forces, and government institutions.

Despite losing ground in several rural areas, it maintains the capacity to launch attacks in Mogadishu and other urban centres.

Government officials said the outcome in Awdheegle reflects progress in the Silent Storm campaign. They added that further operations will be conducted in the coming weeks to target remaining strongholds in Lower Shabelle, to weaken Al-Shabab’s influence and prepare conditions for long-term stability.