The Somali military has successfully eliminated more than 10 al-Shabab militants in coordinated operations across the central regions of Hirshabelle and Galmudug, according to a report published on Thursday, July 24 by the state-owned SONNA news Agency. The targeted assaults on militant hideouts—referred to as Khawaarij by the government—significantly degraded the insurgent group’s capacity to carry out attacks, though specific details of the engagements are still unfolding.
Authorities say the operation dealt a blow to al-Shabab’s logistical networks, diminishing its ability to threaten civilian populations and critical government infrastructure. The group, affiliated with al-Qaeda, has waged a 16-year insurgency against the Somali state, frequently attacking military posts, government officials, and public spaces. The latest offensive underscores Somalia’s continued push to restore security and sovereignty in regions long plagued by extremist violence.