Somali Army Kills 18 Al-Shabaab Militants in Precision Airstrike

Edited By:  Widad WAHBI

The Somali National Army has killed 18 members of the extremist group al-Shabaab and destroyed two military vehicles in a targeted operation in central Somalia.

According to the Somali National News Agency (SONNA), the strike was carried out on Thursday in collaboration with international partners. The joint aerial operation targeted a gathering of the so-called “Khawarij” militants in the Mubarak area of the Hiran region.

The strike resulted in the elimination of 18 insurgents and the destruction of two combat vehicles that were reportedly being prepared for an attempted escape from the site.

This latest action is part of an ongoing series of strategic operations aimed at weakening the operational capabilities of the militant group. Authorities confirmed that such efforts are integral to the broader national campaign to secure central Somalia and eradicate terrorist strongholds.

The Somali government routinely uses the term “Khawarij” to describe al-Shabaab, which is known for launching deadly attacks in an attempt to topple the government and impose a strict interpretation of Islamic law across the country.