Somalia Intensifies Military Campaign Against al-Shabab with US Support

Somalia's military forces, backed by American airstrikes and intelligence, report significant territorial gains against the al-Qaeda-affiliated al-Shabab militant organization. The renewed offensive comes as African Union peacekeeping troops prepare to withdraw, leaving Somalia to take greater control of its own security after nearly two decades of conflict.

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia’s government reports significant progress in its battle against the al-Qaeda-affiliated al-Shabab extremist organization, with American-supported air campaigns and expanded military operations helping shift the balance of power in the nation’s prolonged conflict.

Officials claim recent efforts have successfully recaptured territory from the militants while targeting key leadership figures and bomb-making operations within the terrorist network.

This military escalation occurs during a crucial transition period, as African Union peacekeeping forces begin their gradual withdrawal while Somalia prepares to take on increased responsibility for national security — almost twenty years since al-Shabab became a major insurgent threat.

The extremist organization first appeared in the mid-2000s as the military branch of what was then called the Islamic Courts Union coalition, later establishing ties with al-Qaeda. During its strongest period, the group maintained control over large portions of southern and central Somalia, including sections of the capital city Mogadishu.

African Union forces successfully expelled al-Shabab from Mogadishu in 2011, prompting the organization to change tactics toward guerrilla-style attacks, suicide bombings, and assassination campaigns. United Nations monitoring reports indicate the group continues generating millions annually through forced taxation and extortion schemes.

American military strikes in Somalia have continued for over ten years. During his initial presidency in 2020, Donald Trump ordered the withdrawal of most American personnel. Two years later, Joe Biden authorized the return of U.S. forces to Somalia, reestablishing a continuous advisory and anti-terrorism mission.

Government officials report that Somali military units have successfully reclaimed territories in Lower Shabelle, Hiiraan, Middle Shabelle, and portions of Jubbaland that had remained under militant control for extended periods.

Somalia’s state defense minister Omar Ali Abdi told The Associated Press that several Lower Shabelle locations, including Jilib Marka, Gendershe, and Dhanaane — all former al-Shabab strongholds — are now under military control.

Abdi also highlighted victories in the central Hiiraan region, specifically mentioning Taydaan and Yasooman, along with operations near Masjid Ali Gaduud in Middle Shabelle. In Jubbaland’s Kudhaa area, he reported that combined operations featuring regional Darawiish forces and Somalia’s American-trained Danab special operations units have eliminated numerous militants and captured equipment.

Al-Shabab has not acknowledged these claimed territorial losses. Independent confirmation remains challenging due to restricted access in many disputed regions.

American forces conduct aerial strikes throughout areas under U.S. Africa Command jurisdiction, targeting al-Shabab commanders, training facilities, and weapons sites in coordination with Somalia’s federal government.

State minister Abdi reported that recent air operations successfully destroyed facilities manufacturing improvised explosive devices and eliminated bomb-laden vehicles before deployment. He noted that Somali intelligence agencies provide confirmed targeting information.

AFRICOM states it performs precision strikes while evaluating potential civilian casualties before execution. Previous U.S. strikes in Somalia have faced criticism from human rights organizations regarding civilian deaths. AFRICOM has acknowledged certain incidents and maintains it investigates such allegations.

Mogadishu-based security expert Abdullahi Ahmed Ali explained that enhanced aerial surveillance and strike capabilities transformed what had been a relatively balanced conflict.

During earlier stages, he noted, both government troops and al-Shabab possessed comparable ground weaponry. The government’s disadvantage was the absence of consistent airpower and continuous surveillance.

Enhanced drone operations have enabled forces to locate al-Shabab’s underground facilities and supply lines that were previously inaccessible, he explained. After aerial targeting of these positions, government troops could more easily advance into those territories.

Somali leadership reports that drones now deliver advance warning of militant activity near Mogadishu, where al-Shabab continues conducting bombings despite enhanced security measures.

The renewed offensive’s timing coincides significantly with the transition away from African Union forces — officially called the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia — who are progressively reducing their presence as Somali forces assume greater responsibility.

Security analysts emphasize this makes air support and intelligence coordination with international allies increasingly vital.

Simultaneously, Somalia confronts multiple challenges, including climate-driven drought conditions, political friction between federal and regional governments, and budget shortfalls impacting security and humanitarian programs.

Some security specialists warn that territorial victories over al-Shabab require consolidation through effective governance and public services. During past military campaigns, al-Shabab successfully returned to areas after government forces departed or failed to maintain ongoing presence.

Somali authorities claim thousands of al-Shabab fighters have died since the intensified campaign began, including dozens during recent operations in coastal Kudhaa and other locations. These casualty figures cannot be independently confirmed.

Experts caution that territorial authority in Somalia remains unstable, especially in rural areas. While government forces appear to have expanded their reach in multiple regions, al-Shabab maintains access to extensive areas of central and southern Somalia.

Somali officials indicate operations will continue alongside international partners, combining ground campaigns, intelligence collection, and reconstruction projects in recovered communities.

According to Abdi, the government intends to reconstruct housing and provide assistance in newly secured areas to prevent al-Shabab from regaining control. However, despite reported government advances, al-Shabab remains among Africa’s most persistent militant organizations and a primary security threat.

This means the government must now convert battlefield successes into enduring stability. Success will depend on Somalia’s capacity to secure and administer territory as international peacekeeping forces reduce their involvement.