The Somali government has disclosed new information regarding an air strike operation conducted by the Somali National Army (SNA) and international partners in the Mudug region.
The operation was launched following a violent encounter near Jeh-jeh, which resulted in the tragic loss of the commander of the 18th Brigade Abdi Mohamed Sul-nuug.
According to the government’s press release, the air strike targeted a group of Al-Shabaab militants who had sought refuge in hidden underground bunkers meticulously dug within the nearby forest. Under the cover of darkness, the operation forced the militants out of their hiding places, where they had been concealing themselves since the previous day’s intense battle. The strike resulted in the elimination of at least 26 Al-Shabaab members.
The situation remains highly volatile, with ongoing military activities observed in various parts of the central regions of Somalia. According to the government the activities underscore the persisting tensions and conflicts between rival factions within the country. However, recent days have witnessed a series of large-scale operations in Mudug, carried out collaboratively by the national forces, Galmudug, and local residents.
The collaboration aims to weaken the group’s presence, disrupt its operational capabilities, and ultimately restore stability and security to the affected areas.
Al-Shabaab, a militant group, has been a persistent security threat in Somalia for over a decade. The group emerged emerged as an independent and highly radicalized entity. Since then, the group has sought to destabilize the Somali government, undermine peace efforts, and establish its own strict interpretation of Islamic governance.
Known for its affiliation with Al-Qaeda, Al-Shabaab has engaged in a wide range of illicit activities, including insurgency, and extortion, to fund its operations. The group has carried out numerous high-profile attacks targeting government institutions, military installations, and civilian populations, resulting in loss of life and widespread destruction.
