Mogadishu (Kaab TV) — Somali government forces, supported by international partners, have killed at least 150 Al-Shabab militants during military operations that have been ongoing for more than two weeks in Somalia’s Middle Shabelle region, Defense Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi said Tuesday.
Fiqi said the operations targeted the Jabad Godane area and surrounding locations, describing them as key militant strongholds. He added that those killed included six senior Al-Shabab commanders.
“By the grace of God and the bravery of the National Army, and with the support of our international friends, we have cleared the Khawarij enemy from the Jabad Godane area,” Fiqi said. “Between 120 and 150 militants were killed in these operations, including six leaders.”
The defense minister said the Middle Shabelle campaign is part of a broader offensive against Al-Shabab that has inflicted heavy losses on the group in southern Somalia as well. He pointed to recent fighting in the Kudhaa area of the Lower Juba region, where officials said more than 200 militants were killed after government and allied forces repelled a prolonged assault.
Fiqi praised the performance of elite Danab units and Jubbaland forces in Kudhaa, saying the outcomes in both Middle Shabelle and Lower Juba demonstrate the growing capabilities of Somalia’s armed forces.
“These victories show that the National Army is capable of defending the country,” he said, dismissing critics who have questioned the army’s strength and cohesion.
He also thanked Türkiye and the United States for their support, noting that it included airstrikes, intelligence assistance, and military equipment used during the operations.
Al-Shabab has not commented on the reported casualty figures. The group frequently carries out large-scale attacks on military bases and towns but rarely acknowledges losses claimed by government officials.
The fighting comes as Somalia intensifies its campaign against the al-Qaida-linked group across central and southern regions, aiming to dismantle remaining militant strongholds and consolidate gains made by federal forces and allied local militias.