Somali, U.S. forces kill seven al-Shabab militants in Lower Shabelle region
Somalia’s defense ministry said Danab commandos killed seven al-Shabab militants, including a commander, in Lower Shabelle, while U.S. Africa Command confirmed a coordinated strike near Sablaale.
Mogadishu (Somali Report) — Somali forces killed seven al-Shabab militants, including a commander, during an operation in Lower Shabelle region, Somalia’s Ministry of Defence said Monday, as U.S. Africa Command confirmed a coordinated strike in the same area.
AFRICOM said U.S. forces carried out an airstrike July 13 in coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia near Sablaale, about 190 kilometers southwest of Mogadishu. The command did not release a casualty figure.
“AFRICOM, alongside the Federal Government of Somalia and Somali Armed Forces, continues to take action to degrade al-Shabaab’s ability to threaten U.S. forces and our citizens abroad,” the command said in a statement.
In a separate statement, Somalia’s Ministry of Defence said Danab commandos conducted a planned operation shortly after midnight Sunday in Sablaale district, targeting positions held by al-Shabab fighters.
The ministry said seven militants were killed, including a commander accused of mobilizing fighters for the group. It did not identify the commander.
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Military officials said Somali forces also destroyed two sites allegedly used by al-Shabab to train recruits and promote extremist ideology. The Defense Ministry said the facilities were used to radicalize people and encourage attacks.
The operation came a day after Somali officials said the Somali National Army, working with international partners, killed at least 26 al-Shabab militants in airstrikes targeting the group’s positions in Middle Shabelle region.
The Danab Brigade, whose name means “Lightning,” is an elite special operations unit within the Somali National Army. Established in 2013 and trained with U.S. support, the unit has become a key force in operations against al-Shabab in southern and central Somalia.
Lower Shabelle has long been a major battleground between Somali forces and al-Shabab because of its proximity to Mogadishu and its role as a movement and supply corridor for militants. Sablaale and nearby rural areas have repeatedly been used by the group to regroup, train fighters and stage attacks.
Al-Shabab, an al-Qaida-linked militant group, is waging an insurgency against Somalia’s federal government, African Union forces and international partners. The group seeks to topple the government and impose its strict interpretation of Islamic law.
Somali and U.S. officials say continued military pressure is intended to weaken al-Shabab’s ability to plan attacks, recruit fighters and threaten civilians. Casualty figures from military operations in rural Somalia are often difficult to verify independently.
About the Author
Osman Hassan is a Senior Editor at the Somali Report based in Nairobi with over 15 years of experience in journalism. He has worked with local and international media outlets in Somalia and is an award-winning journalist. His reporting focuses on politics, security, and regional affairs in the Horn of Africa.