Somalia’s intelligence agency said more than 33 al-Shabaab fighters were killed in a series of coordinated operations in the Middle Shabelle region, as authorities moved to disrupt what they described as imminent attack plans.
The National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) said the raids, carried out with international partners, targeted gathering points where militants were regrouping and preparing operations.
According to the agency, several hideouts were destroyed, including a house used by senior figures and fighters. The strike hit as leaders were allegedly organizing units and planning attacks.
NISA said vehicles used to transport fighters were burned, dealing a blow to the group’s mobility and logistics network.
The operation followed intelligence indicating that around 90 militants had assembled in the area, raising concerns over a potential escalation in attacks.
Authorities said the raids “significantly weakened” the group’s operational capacity and neutralized an immediate threat, though independent verification was not available.
The offensive comes as Somali forces step up pressure on al-Shabaab, which has waged a long-running insurgency against the government, targeting civilians, officials and security forces.
Since mid-2025, the Somali military has intensified operations alongside the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia and other partners, part of a broader campaign to reclaim territory and dismantle militant networks.
The mission’s mandate was extended by the UN Security Council through the end of 2026 under a UK-backed resolution.