Mogadishu, September 2026 : Somali security forces killed 14 fighters belonging to the militant group Al-Shabaab during a security operation in the country’s southwestern region on Saturday, government officials said.
The Ministry of Defence said troops conducted an operation in Buula Fulay, where Al-Shabaab militants were reportedly hiding. During the operation, security forces destroyed bases used by the fighters and successfully eliminated the militant presence in the targeted area.
The ministry said the operation was part of the Somali National Army’s continuing campaign to dismantle Al-Shabaab networks and strengthen security and stability across the country.
“This operation forms part of the ongoing efforts that the Somali National Army is pursuing to eliminate Al-Shabaab and ensure security and stability throughout the country,” the Ministry of Defence said in a statement.
The ministry praised the participating troops for their courage and sacrifice and reaffirmed that military operations against the militant group would continue until Al-Shabaab is completely eradicated.
Al-Shabaab has not issued any statement regarding the reported casualties or the military operation.
The latest offensive came a day after heavy fighting between Somali National Army troops, allied forces and Al-Shabaab militants in Baidoa, one of the key cities in southwestern Somalia.
The government has intensified military operations against Al-Shabaab in recent months as it seeks to regain control of areas previously held or contested by the militant group.
Last month, the Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF) reportedly killed at least 30 Al-Shabaab militants and captured several others after thwarting an attack in Baidoa, according to the Defence Ministry.
The ministry said SNAF positions came under attack at around 5 a.m. local time, or 0200 GMT, when armed attackers used vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIEDs) in an attempt to breach military positions.
According to the ministry, the attacking force included Al-Shabaab militants as well as militias loyal to Southwest State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen.
Somali forces responded to the assault and repelled the attackers, preventing what authorities described as an attempt to destabilise security and stability in Baidoa. Troops subsequently seized weapons and vehicles allegedly used during the attack.
Security forces also launched clearance operations across parts of the city to strengthen security and track down any remaining militants.
The Defence Ministry said it would release additional information on the attack and the outcome of the military operation once the operations were completed.
Somali forces have maintained control of Baidoa since March, when they took over the strategic city, an event that was followed by the resignation of Southwest State President Laftagareen. The government is now seeking to consolidate its control while continuing operations against Al-Shabaab in the region.
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