Defence Ministry: Airstrikes Destroy Al-Shabaab Positions in Tawakal, Nuun Garre and Ugunji

MOGADISHU – The Somali National Army (SNA), in coordination with international partners, carried out a series of airstrikes on July 1 and 2, 2026, targeting Al-Shabaab positions in the Lower Shabelle region, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed.

According to a statement released by the ministry, the strikes targeted militant camps in the Tawakal, Nuun Garre, and Ugunji areas, which officials said were being used by the group to plan and coordinate attacks against civilians and government forces. The operation resulted in the deaths of 27 Al-Shabaab fighters, with more than 20 others wounded. The strikes also destroyed vehicles, weapons, ammunition, and militant positions used for planning and executing attacks.

The operation follows a similar series of airstrikes in Middle Shabelle in late June, in which nearly 30 militants were killed and training camps, logistics hubs, and weapons stockpiles were destroyed.

In a separate operation in April, the National Armed Forces conducted six airstrikes across four regions, including Ugunji in Lower Shabelle, eliminating 54 Al-Shabaab fighters and destroying key enemy strongholds and supply stockpiles.

Targeting Militant Infrastructure

The defence ministry said the airstrikes were part of an ongoing campaign to degrade Al-Shabaab’s operational capabilities. The targeted locations were identified as sites where militants were assembling for attacks.

The Ugunji sector has been a focus of previous counter-terrorism operations, with a precisely coordinated airstrike in the area eliminating six Al-Shabaab fighters and destroying a significant cache of tactical weapons, communication devices, and logistical supplies.

The ministry expressed gratitude to international partners supporting Somalia’s counter-terrorism efforts, acknowledging their role in enabling the success of ongoing operations. The statement reaffirmed that government forces and their allies would continue to target Al-Shabaab leaders and fighters to weaken the group’s capacity and prevent planned attacks.

The airstrikes come amid heightened security operations along major transport corridors in the south, following a complex insurgent assault on a joint military installation in the Golweyn area of Lower Shabelle on July 2.

Escalating Military Pressure

The Federal Government of Somalia has intensified aerial and ground operations against Al-Shabaab in recent months, as part of its commitment to eliminating the group and ensuring national security. The government has stated that operations will continue until lasting peace and stability are achieved across the country.

The United States has significantly ramped up its aerial campaign in Somalia, with nearly 50 airstrikes conducted in the first quarter of 2026 alone, targeting extremist organisations operating in the Horn of Africa.

Somali security forces, supported by international partners, have intensified offensive operations across southern Somalia, striking key militant strongholds and reclaiming territory from Al-Shabaab.