Somali forces, backed by African Union peacekeepers, have killed at least 70 militants linked to the al-Shabaab group during a coordinated military offensive in southern Somalia, authorities announced Monday. The operation marks the latest in a series of intensified counterinsurgency efforts targeting the al-Qaeda-affiliated organization, which has destabilized the Horn of Africa nation for over 16 years.
Codenamed Silent Storm, the mission focused on dismantling militant strongholds in Bariire, an agricultural town 73 kilometers southwest of Mogadishu in the volatile Lower Shabelle region. According to Somalia’s Ministry of Defence, troops intercepted two vehicles rigged with explosives during the assault, preventing a potential suicide attack. “Security forces swiftly neutralized both threats before detonation,” the ministry stated, crediting the operation’s success to meticulous planning and real-time coordination.
The joint forces—comprising Somali National Army (SNA) units and Ugandan troops under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM)—sustained two fatalities and 12 injuries during the clashes. While the ministry did not specify the roles of unnamed “international partners,” it emphasized their logistical and strategic support in breaching key al-Shabaab defenses.
This strike follows a similar operation days earlier in the same region, where AUSSOM reported eliminating more than 50 militants. The back-to-back offensives signal a renewed push to weaken al-Shabaab’s grip on rural areas, which the group has long exploited to launch attacks on urban centers. Analysts note that reclaiming agricultural hubs like Bariire could disrupt the militants’ revenue streams from extortion and illegal taxation of local farmers.
Al-Shabaab, designated a terrorist organization by multiple nations, has escalated attacks in recent months despite losing territorial control in major cities. Its fighters routinely target government installations, security personnel, and civilians through bombings, assassinations, and raids. The Somali government, supported by AU peacekeepers and international allies, aims to fully transition security responsibilities to national forces by 2025, though persistent militant activity complicates these efforts.
Monday’s announcement underscores both progress and persistent risks in Somalia’s protracted conflict. While officials hailed the operation as a tactical victory, the loss of SNA soldiers highlights ongoing challenges in curbing asymmetric threats. Humanitarian groups have repeatedly warned that military escalations risk displacing civilians in regions already grappling with drought and food insecurity.
The group’s resilience continues to test regional stability, with recent cross-border incursions into Ethiopia and Kenya raising concerns about broader security implications. Meanwhile, Somalia’s federal government faces pressure to consolidate gains through governance reforms and community-led counter-radicalization programs—a dual approach experts argue is critical to long-term peace.
