Somali Army Kills 30 Al-Shabaab Militants in Mudug Region Operation

On April 26, 2024, the Somali National Army, with support from international partners, conducted a military operation in the Mudug region of Somalia, killing at least 30 Al-Shabaab militants and wounding 30 others. The operation targeted two key centers used by the militant group for organizing attacks and preparing explosives in the vicinity of Tabar-mooge, about 28 kilometers north of the recently liberated coastal town of Harardhere.

The Somali Ministry of Information coordinated the offensive, which was carried out by the Somali national army and its international security partners. In a separate incident on the same day, government forces thwarted an attempted attack by militants in the Hawadley area of the Middle Shabelle region, killing and capturing several militants. This marked the third attempt by Al-Shabaab in the Hawadley area.

Why this matters: The ongoing fight against Al-Shabaab remains vital for the stability and security of Somalia and the wider East African region. The Somali government's collaboration with international partners and regional authorities demonstrates a commitment to eradicating the threat posed by the extremist group and restoring peace in areas currently under its control.

Somalia has been plagued by insecurity for years, with the main threats coming from Al-Shabaab and the Daesh/ISIS terror groups. Since 2007, Al-Shabaab has been fighting the Somali government and the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). The terror group has stepped up attacks since Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud declared an "all-out war" on the group.

The Somali government has been actively conducting operations against Al-Shabaab in central and southern regions over the past 18 months, in collaboration with ATMIS and the US Africa Command. President Mohamud recently announced substantial gains in the operations, including the liberation of various strategic towns previously controlled by Al-Shabaab.

The President also emphasized the strategic partnership between Somalia and Turkey, particularly in the areas of security, defense, and economic development. Turkey has been supporting Somalia's efforts to protect its territorial waters and has trained elite GorGor troops who play a critical role in the elimination of Al-Shabab.

The Somali government claimed the operation in Tabar-mooge as a significant victory, showcasing its commitment to eliminating the threat pose

Key Takeaways

• Somali army, with international partners, killed 30 Al-Shabaab militants in Mudug region.
• Somali government thwarted an Al-Shabaab attack in Middle Shabelle region, killing and capturing militants.
• Ongoing fight against Al-Shabaab is vital for Somalia's stability and security in East Africa.
• Somali government collaborates with ATMIS and US Africa Command to conduct operations against Al-Shabaab.
• Turkey supports Somalia's efforts to protect its territorial waters and train elite GorGor troops.