Mogadishu, Somalia – In a fresh escalation against the militant group Al-Shabaab, unidentified warplanes carried out coordinated airstrikes on multiple locations in southern Somalia, specifically in Lower Shabelle and Middle Juba regions, where the group is believed to operate key logistical and training bases.
The strikes reportedly took place in the Basra area of Lower Shabelle, with sources on the ground confirming that known Al-Shabaab operatives were among those targeted. Additional air raids were reported in Sablaale, Kuunya Barow, and Haawey, with the targets believed to be senior Al-Shabaab commanders.
Local residents reported hearing loud explosions followed by thick plumes of smoke rising from the targeted areas. While the exact number of casualties remains unclear, the strikes are believed to have inflicted significant damage to Al-Shabaab’s operational capabilities in the region.
There has been no official confirmation regarding which foreign or domestic forces were behind the operations. Neither the Federal Government of Somalia nor international partners such as U.S. AFRICOM or AMISOM have yet issued a statement. However, such precision airstrikes in Somalia have previously been attributed to U.S. drone operations or joint Somali-international military campaigns.
- Basra – Lower Shabelle
- Sablaale – Lower Shabelle
- Kuunya Barow – Border area between Lower Shabelle and Middle Juba
- Haawey – Middle Juba
These areas are known to be strongholds of Al-Shabaab, with dense forests and rural terrain providing cover for the group’s fighters and arms caches.
The strikes come amid intensified efforts by Somali security forces and their international allies to degrade Al-Shabaab’s leadership structure and disrupt its planning capabilities. The group has recently stepped up attacks in several regions, including roadside bombings and ambushes targeting both civilians and government troops. These airstrikes are likely a direct response to Al-Shabaab’s growing threat and its persistent disruption of stabilization efforts in the south.
Though no official casualty figures have been released, sources suggest the airstrikes caused considerable disruption to Al-Shabaab operations, especially if reports about the targeting of senior figures are confirmed. However, the lack of immediate government communication has left room for speculation and concerns about potential civilian casualties, a recurring issue in anti-terror air campaigns in the region.
Human rights groups and local elders have often called for greater transparency and post-strike assessments to ensure civilian safety and legal compliance.
