US, Somali National Army Conduct Joint Multi-Region Operations Against al-Shabaab
AFRICOM’s participation reflects an ongoing military collaboration with Somali forces to counter al-Shabaab activities.
SOMALIA - On March 16, 2025, the Somali National Army, in coordination with international military partners, executed a series of operations targeting al-Shabaab militants across multiple regions in Somalia.
Official statements from the Somali Ministry of Information, Culture & Tourism and supporting details from U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) outline the scope and outcomes of these military actions.
In Jilib town, situated in the Middle Jubba region, a joint airstrike was conducted by the Somali National Army and international forces. According to the Ministry, the operation targeted and destroyed the district center, a key militant facility, two sites used for training and explosives preparation, and residences of senior al-Shabaab operatives Hassan Yaqub and Amin.
The strikes resulted in the complete destruction of these locations, with preliminary reports indicating significant militant casualties. The Somali government is currently assessing the precise number of losses. No specific civilian casualty data was provided, though the Ministry issued a general warning for civilians to steer clear of al-Shabaab-controlled areas due to ongoing military targeting.
In a separate operation in the Middle Shabelle region of Hirshabelle State, the Somali National Army, with AFRICOM support, carried out an airstrike in the Labo Garas area. This strike aimed to disrupt al-Shabaab elements attempting to regroup after sustaining heavy losses in prior clashes with Somali forces and local defense units.
The Ministry reported that the operation successfully impaired the militants’ ability to reorganize, aligning with a broader campaign that has notably diminished their operational strength.
AFRICOM’s participation reflects an ongoing military collaboration with Somali forces to counter al-Shabaab activities.
Further operations occurred in the Elbaad area, on the boundary between Middle Shabelle and Galgaduud regions, and in the Mubarak area of Lower Shabelle. The Somali National Army, backed by international partners, neutralized critical al-Shabaab positions in these locations, demonstrating a multi-front approach to dismantling the group’s infrastructure.
The Somali National Army, in conjunction with its international military allies, remains focused on eliminating al-Shabaab’s presence across Somalia.