Mogadishu, Somalia, July 5 – Somali security forces killed more than ten Al-Shabaab militants in a series of coordinated operations across central and southern Somalia on Friday morning, the Ministry of Defence said.
According to a ministry spokesperson, the first attack took place at approximately 5:45 am local time when Al-Shabaab militants launched an assault on Gumarre, near Moqokori in the Hiiraan region. The Somali National Army (SNA), supported by local community fighters, responded swiftly and engaged the attackers in a two-hour battle, ultimately repelling the assault and securing the area.
“More than ten militants were killed during the clash, and Gumarre is now fully under the control of our forces,” the spokesperson said in a statement.
Simultaneously, joint operations by the SNA and Macawisley fighters targeted Al-Shabaab hideouts in Guulane, Daaru-nicma, and Alkowsar in the Middle Shabelle region. In Guulane, two senior Al-Shabaab commanders — Mohamed Adow and Ali Xabad — were neutralised. Both men were accused of orchestrating attacks against civilians and extorting communities under the guise of religious authority, officials said.
In a separate operation in Moora Godan, Raaga Ceelle district, security forces dismantled a facility used by the group to treat wounded fighters and coordinate future attacks.
Further south-west, SNA troops launched offensives in Baani, Lafaale, and Abal, near the town of Xudur in the Bakool region. The operations forced militants to flee their hideouts as government forces advanced.
The Ministry of Defence praised the bravery and cooperation between the Somali National Army and local community forces.
“These operations demonstrate the commitment of our forces to safeguard Somalia and eliminate threats to national peace and stability,” the statement said.
Al-Shabaab, an al-Qaeda-linked extremist group, continues to carry out deadly attacks in Somalia, despite losing ground in recent years due to intensified military operations backed by local militias and international partners.
