35 Al-Shabaab militants killed in joint Somalia-Türkiye airstrikes in Lower Shabelle

35 Al-Shabaab militants killed in joint Somalia-Türkiye airstrikes in Lower Shabelle

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The operation involved F-16 fighter aircraft targeting militant positions, including caves, weapons caches and hideouts used by the group.

At least 35 Al-Shabaab militants were killed and more than 20 others injured in joint airstrikes carried out by Somalia’s National Armed Forces (SNAF) and Türkiye in the Godey area of Lower Shabelle.
According to Somalia’s Defence Ministry, the operation involved F-16 fighter aircraft targeting militant positions, including caves, weapons caches and hideouts used by the group.
“The airstrikes eliminated approximately 35 Al-Shabaab terrorists, while more than 20 others sustained serious injuries,” the ministry said.
It added that the strikes triggered secondary explosions, suggesting the destruction of stored explosives and military equipment at the site.
“The site was also occupied by militants and vehicles loaded with explosives that had been prepared for use in terrorist attacks against Somali civilians,” the ministry said.
Somalia has been battling the Al-Shabaab insurgency for years as part of an ongoing counterterrorism campaign across the country. Last week, at least 30 more Al-Shabaab militants were killed in a series of airstrikes carried out by the SNAF targeting militant bases in Gayfo, Ruun Idiris and Ali Gaduud, which were allegedly used to recruit fighters, conduct training and stockpile weapons and other military equipment.
According to SNAF, the first strike was conducted on June 24 against a mobilisation centre in Gayfo, where fighters and a cache of weapons were targeted. Three additional strikes followed on June 25, destroying a training camp in Ruun Idiris before another raid hit armed militants gathering in Ali Gaduud as they reportedly prepared to launch attacks.
“The strikes resulted in the elimination of approximately 30 Al-Shabaab militants. In addition, two vehicles, three motorcycles, weapons, ammunition and other military supplies used by the group to plan and carry out terrorist activities were destroyed,” Somalia’s defence ministry said then.
"The Ministry of Defence and the Command of the Somali National Armed Forces reaffirm their commitment to sustaining operations against the Al-Shabaab wherever they seek refuge, to strengthen security, stability and lasting peace across Somalia."

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