Mogadishu, Somalia – A series of airstrikes targeting Al-Shabaab positions in southern Somalia have killed several senior commanders of the group and wounded others, intelligence sources said on Sunday.
The coordinated strikes, reportedly four in total, hit strategic Al-Shabaab locations across the regions of Middle Juba, Lower Shabelle, and Bay, specifically in Bu’aale, Kunya-Barrow, Sablaale, and Buulo-Fulaay, according to the sources.
Foreign Al-Shabaab Trainers Killed in Bu’aale Strike
One of the deadliest airstrikes occurred in Sariiraha, a village near Bu’aale in Middle Juba, where foreign trainers affiliated with Al-Shabaab were killed. These individuals were said to be instrumental in training the group’s fighters.
According to the sources, the following foreign operatives were killed:
- Abu Fahad al-Sudani – from Sudan
- Abu Saleban – from Pakistan
- Abu Jaafar – from Morocco
- Abu Malik – nationality unconfirmed
“These were key figures in Al-Shabaab’s foreign operations and training infrastructure,” one intelligence officer said under condition of anonymity.
Iranian-Linked Equipment Destroyed in Kunya-Barrow
In a separate strike near Kunya-Barrow in Middle Juba, newly acquired equipment allegedly supplied to Al-Shabaab by Yemen’s Houthi rebels was destroyed, the same sources said.
The details of the equipment were not disclosed, but the incident points to growing cooperation between extremist factions across the region.
Leadership Meeting Targeted in Sablaale
Outside Sablaale in Lower Shabelle, another airstrike hit a house where Somali Al-Shabaab commanders were reportedly holding a planning meeting. Intelligence suggests the group was preparing operations targeting Somali government forces and their international partners.
Strike on Buulo-Fulaay
A fourth strike hit the Buulo-Fulaay area in Bay region, targeting additional Al-Shabaab leadership figures. While specific names and casualties were not disclosed, sources confirmed that key figures were present at the time.
No Official Statement Yet
The Somali Federal Government and its international allies have not yet publicly commented on the operations. However, the strikes are believed to be part of ongoing joint counter-terrorism efforts aimed at dismantling Al-Shabaab’s leadership and operational capacity.
The operations come amid a broader offensive backed by African Union peacekeepers under the AUSSOM mission and UN-supported initiatives targeting extremist networks in the Horn of Africa.
The latest airstrikes have drawn significant public attention and are expected to mark an escalation in efforts to neutralize Al-Shabaab strongholds in southern Somalia.
