Baidoa (KAAB TV) – The Somali National Army (SNA), under the command of the Federal Government of Somalia, has successfully conducted coordinated counter-terrorism operations targeting Al-Shabaab leaders and fighters in the Bay and Bakool regions of the South West State.
According to an official press release issued by the Ministry of Defense of Somalia, the operations were part of an ongoing national campaign to dismantle Al-Shabaab’s operational network and restore security in the southern and central parts of the country.
The Ministry confirmed that during a meticulously planned nighttime raid in the village of Abal, located approximately 21 kilometers from Hudur District in the Bakool region, the Somali National Army neutralized a senior Al-Shabaab commander identified as Mohamed Abdi Mohamed Noor, widely known by his alias “Goofow.”
Goofow was reportedly the group’s regional commander in Abal and was responsible for orchestrating multiple terrorist attacks that had targeted civilians, local leaders, and security forces in the area.
“This individual was the ringleader operating from the Abal village base and was directly involved in coordinating terrorist operations that destabilized the Bakool region,” said the Ministry’s statement.
“During the operation, Somali forces seized several weapons, explosive materials, and important documents detailing plans for future terrorist activities.”
In a separate but concurrent operation, Somali government forces carried out another targeted mission in Waro Mintaniya village, situated about 14 kilometers southeast of the Burjeed area in the Bay region.
During this offensive, the army successfully eliminated two senior Al-Shabaab operatives who were identified as Yahye (also known as Abu Khalid) and Sharif (also known as Amir). Both individuals were reportedly in charge of organizing and supervising terrorist attacks across the Bay region.
The Ministry of Defense commended the Somali National Army for their continued bravery and effectiveness in the ongoing fight against Al-Shabaab. The Ministry reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eradicating the militant group and restoring lasting peace and stability throughout Somalia.
“The Ministry of Defense praises the dedication and heroism of the Somali National Army, who continue to pursue Al-Shabaab militants wherever they operate,” the statement concluded.
“The government will not relent until all terrorist elements are completely removed from Somali territory.”
These operations come as part of Phase Two of the government’s intensified military campaign, which seeks to clear remaining Al-Shabaab hideouts in the South West and Jubaland regions following significant gains made in central Somalia over the past year.
Al-Shabaab, an Al-Qaeda-affiliated extremist group, has waged an insurgency in Somalia for over a decade. The Somali National Army, supported by local forces and international partners, has been conducting a series of offensives to weaken the group’s control, reclaim territory, and secure key population centers.
The latest operations in Bay and Bakool mark another step in Somalia’s ongoing efforts to restore peace, strengthen state authority, and enable governance in areas previously under militant control.