Mohamud Ismail Kulane, Mahmut Nabi

18 July 2026•Update: 18 July 2026

MOGADISHU / Anadolu

The Somali army announced the neutralization of 25 militants from the terrorist group Al-Shabaab, and the injury of 18 others, in a military operation with air support in the Hiran region.

This came in a statement issued by the Somali Ministry of Defense on Saturday, in which it explained that the operation was carried out last night in coordination with international partners, and targeted Al-Shabaab positions.

It added that the operation resulted in the neutralization of 25 members of the group and the injury of 18 others, and 4 members of the organization who dispersed after the operation surrendered themselves to the Somali National Army.

Al-Shabaab has been active since 2006, and launches attacks against the Somali government and international peacekeeping forces.

Since 2022, Somali security forces, with support from local forces and international partners, have continued to conduct wide-scale operations against the group in central and southern Somalia.