The US and Somali forces have carried out an airstrike on al-Shabab militants in the town of Adan Yabaal, aimed at countering the group's recent resurgence amid ongoing battles for control of strategic locations.
US-Somali Forces Target Al-Shabab in Adan Yabaal Airstrike Amid Intense Clashes
US-Somali Forces Target Al-Shabab in Adan Yabaal Airstrike Amid Intense Clashes
A US-Somali airstrike targets Islamic militants during a fierce battle for the key town of Adan Yabaal, raising concerns over al-Shabab's resurgence.
The United States and Somali forces have conducted a coordinated airstrike against Islamist militants as intense battles unfolded for the strategic town of Adan Yabaal, located north of Mogadishu. According to the Somali government, the operation occurred shortly after al-Shabab, an al-Qaeda-linked group, launched an attack on the town, prompting a fierce response.
The airstrike, which resulted in the deaths of 12 militants—including several high-ranking members of al-Shabab—was described as 'well-coordinated' by the Somali information ministry in a statement shared on X. The increasing skirmishes come amid heightened fears surrounding a potential resurgence of jihadism in Somalia, following a series of militant attacks, including one aimed at President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's convoy in September.
Al-Shabab has long sought to overthrow the Somali federal government and establish a strictly governed Islamist state. The group has been engaged in conflict with the government for nearly two decades and continues to control substantial territories in southern and central Somalia. Although recent military campaigns, bolstered by an African Union-led peacekeeping force, have pushed the group onto the defensive over the last two years, they remain a significant threat.
The effort to neutralize the militants through the airstrike reflects the government's stance that al-Shabab has indeed been weakened, despite their recent advances. The operation specifically targeted a site used by al-Shabab members for organization and hideouts. The Somali government emphasized that there were no reported civilian casualties during the airstrike.
Adan Yabaal, situated in the Middle Shabelle region, was initially captured by al-Shabab in 2016 but was later recaptured by government forces in 2022. The town's significance was highlighted by President Mohamud's visit last month, where he met with military leadership to discuss strategies against the militants.
In a related development, the Somali national army reported that they killed at least 35 militants near the city of Baidoa who attempted to assault an army base. Despite some setbacks on the battlefield, President Mohamud remains resolute in his confidence that his government can ultimately defeat the al-Shabab insurgency.
