An airstrike has been carried out by the US and Somali Forces against Islamist militants during a battle for control of the strategic central town of Adan Yabaal,located north of Mogadishu. The Government reported that the strike was “well-coordinated” and targeted al-Shabab group,which had recently raided the town.
Adan Yabaal has been a key military hub used by al-Shabab for launching operations. According to the Somali information ministry,the airstrike resulted in the deaths of 12 militants,including several senior figures from the al-Qaeda-linked group.
The conflict comes amid heightened concerns over the resurgence of jihadist activity in Somalia. Al-Shabab has been battling the Somali government for nearly two decades,aiming to overthrow the federal government and establish an Islamist state. Despite setbacks in 2022 and 2023,where the African Union-led peacekeeping force helped push the group back,al-Shabab continues to pose a significant threat to the region. The Somali government,however,maintains that the group has been weakened.
The airstrike targeted a site used by the militants as a gathering place and hideout,with no reported civilian casualties. Following the raid by al-Shabab militants using heavy explosives,the group claimed to have captured Adan Yabaal. The situation remains fluid,and the current control of the town has not been clarified by the Somali government.
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