The United States, in coordination with Somalia, has launched an airstrike against Islamist militants during an intense battle for control over the strategically important town of Adan Yabaal, located north of the capital, Mogadishu. According to the government, this operation was executed just hours after al-Shabab forces conducted a raid on the town, a known launchpad for military operations.
The airstrike resulted in the deaths of twelve militants, including several high-ranking members of the al-Qaeda-affiliated group, as reported by the Somali information ministry on X. This latest clash occurs amidst rising concerns regarding a potential surge in jihadist activities in Somalia, particularly following a recent attack on President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s convoy.
Al-Shabab’s persistent threat
Al-Shabab has maintained control over significant portions of southern and central Somalia for nearly two decades, with the group’s objective being the overthrow of the federal government and the establishment of an Islamist state. Despite the African Union-led peacekeeping forces having pushed the jihadists onto the defensive in 2022 and 2023, al-Shabab continues to pose a serious threat, with numerous military offensives having been conducted against it.
The Somali government asserts that the militants have been weakened as a result of these operations. The recent airstrike, conducted late on Wednesday by Somali armed forces alongside the US Africa Command (Africom), aimed to mitigate the threats posed by the insurgents. The information ministry stated:
“The targeted strike hit a site used by the militants as a gathering and hideout. Importantly, there were no civilian casualties.”
Heavy fighting and strategic significance of Adan Yabaal
Adan Yabaal, situated in the Middle Shabelle region, was seized by al-Shabab in 2016 and subsequently retaken by government forces in 2022. Tensions escalated on Wednesday when al-Shabab fighters launched an assault on the town, employing heavy explosives. Following the attack, the group claimed to have gained control of Adan Yabaal, although two local residents informed AFP that militants had indeed taken over the town. The government has not clarified the current status of control over Adan Yabaal.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud had visited the town the previous month, engaging with military leaders, which underscored its critical role in the ongoing fight against al-Shabab. In a separate incident, the national army reported killing at least 35 militants near Baidoa on Thursday after they attempted to mount an offensive against an army base. Despite these developments, President Mohamud has sought to downplay the advances of al-Shabab, asserting that occasional setbacks on the battlefield are a part of the campaign. He remains steadfast in his commitment to defeating the insurgents.