Somali Forces Conduct Operations Against Al-Shabaab in Middle Shabelle, Bay, and Hiiraan Regions

SOMALIA — Somali Armed Forces and National Intelligence and Security Agency units carried out continued operations against Al-Shabaab. The operations covered Middle Shabelle, Bay, and Hiiraan regions.

The most recent operations were carried out on May 24 in the Tardo area of Hiiraan region and a follow-up airstrike on May 23 in the Ugunji area of Lower Shabelle region, according to Ministry of Defense and NISA statements.

Earlier operations included a civilian rescue in Middle Shabelle and a response near Baidoa in Bay region, according to the Ministry of Defense statements.

Operations in Hiiraan Region

• On May 24, NISA forces carried out a planned operation in the Tardo area of Hiiraan region that killed five terrorists after intelligence confirmed 25 militants had gathered there, according to a NISA statement. The operation also destroyed bases and equipment used by the group for carrying out its operations.

• On May 21, NISA forces carried out planned operations in the Maxaas, Mukayle, and Shaw areas of Hiiraan region that killed 26 militants across three operations, with specific details of 14 killed in Maxaas, 9 killed plus 16 wounded in Mukayle including a deputy commander, and 3 specialists killed in Shaw. The operations destroyed bases and equipment used by the group.

• On May 15, NISA forces carried out a planned operation in the Buq-aqable area of Hiiraan region that inflicted serious injuries on three senior Al-Shabaab leaders and destroyed multiple vehicles and bases, including one carrying a 39 anti-aircraft gun, per the official NISA statement.

Airstrikes in Lower Shabelle Region

On May 22, Somali Armed Forces, in coordination with international partners, carried out a planned airstrike in the Ugunji area of Lower Shabelle region that killed six Al-Shabaab militants and destroyed weapons and equipment they had been using.

A follow-up airstrike took place on May 23 in the Ugunji area of Lower Shabelle. The strike targeted the group gathering to plan attacks against civilians.

Earlier Actions in Middle Shabelle and Bay Regions

On May 15, Somali National Armed Forces responded to an ambush near Baidoa with a planned operation on the outskirts of the city that killed 50, including Al-Shabaab and allied armed militias supporting them, and destroyed military vehicles and equipment used by the groups to organize attacks.

The Ministry of Defense stated that Militias loyal to Abdiaziz Laftagareen participated in the ambush.

On May 13, elite Danab Commandos of the Somali National Army conducted a planned operation in Gambool district, Middle Shabelle region, that rescued nine civilians abducted by the group and killed five militants including the leader

What to Watch

• Additional statements from Somali forces on follow-up operations in Hiiraan or Lower Shabelle.

• Responses from the group to the loss of senior leaders and equipment in Hiiraan.

• Reports of civilian displacement or humanitarian needs in affected areas of Middle Shabelle, Bay, and Hiiraan.

• Updates on investigations into the May 15 ambush near Baidoa.

Official Statements

• Somalian Ministry of Defense, May 24 (on Ugunji follow-up airstrike): “The Somali Armed Forces, in cooperation with international partners, carried out a planned airstrike today, Friday, in the Ugunji area of Lower Shabelle Governorate, targeting elements of the terrorist Al-Shabaab affiliated with Al-Qaeda, who were gathering to plan the execution of terrorist acts against citizens.”

• Somalian Ministry of Defense, May 22: “Mogadishu – 22, May, 2026: The Somali National Armed Forces, in coordination with international partners, carried out a planned airstrike today in the Ugunji area of Lower Shabelle region, targeting Al-Shabaab terrorists who were regrouping to orchestrate attacks against Somali civilians. The operation killed six Al-Shabaab militants and destroyed weapons and equipment used by the terrorists.”

• Somalian Ministry of Defense, May 15: “Mogadishu – 15, May, 2026: The Somali National Armed Forces conducted a planned operation last night on the outskirts of Baidoa, following an ambush attack carried out yesterday morning by anti-peace groups and terrorist militias acting in coordination against troops engaged in security operations. During the operation, 50 individuals, including Al-Shabaab terrorists and allied armed militias supporting them, were killed. The forces also destroyed military vehicles and equipment used by the groups to organise attacks against the National Armed Forces and Somali civilians. The Ministry of Defence confirms that militias loyal to Abdiaziz Laftagareen were involved in the ambush attack and had directly integrated with Al-Shabaab terrorists. The Ministry of Defence extends its condolences to the families, relatives and the entire Somali National Armed Forces over the heroic soldiers who were killed while defending the nation during yesterday’s attack.”

• Somalian Ministry of Defense, May 13: “Mogadishu – 13, May, 2026: The elite Danab Commandos of the Somali National Army conducted a planned operation last night in Gambool e district, Middle Shabelle region, where they rescued civilians who had been abducted by Al-Shabaab terrorists. During the operation, the forces successfully secured the release of nine civilians held captive by the terrorists, while also killing five Al-Shabaab militants, including the ringleader.”

• Somalian Intelligence and Security Agency, May 24: “Mogadishu, May 24, 2026: The forces of the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), in cooperation with international partners, carried out a planned operation that destroyed bases and equipment used by Al-Shabaab for terrorist acts in the Tardo area of Hiiraan region, where five terrorists were also killed. This operation came after NISA received intelligence confirming that 25 militants were gathered in the Tardo area, including members of the groups they call fronts, parties, and pioneer members. … Please citizen, any security threat or information related to Al-Shabaab/Daesh terrorists share with NISA: 199 / 0770747474 / 0620545454.”

• Somalian Intelligence and Security Agency, May 21: “Mogadishu, May 21, 2026: The forces of the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), in cooperation with international partners, carried out a planned operation that destroyed bases and equipment used by Al-Shabaab for terrorist acts in the Maxaas, Mukayle, and Shaw areas of Hiiraan region, where 26, 14, and 16 militants were also killed respectively. This operation came after NISA received intelligence confirming that 56 militants were gathered in those areas, including members of the groups they call fronts, parties, and pioneer members. … Please citizen, any security threat or information related to Al-Shabaab/Daesh terrorists share with NISA: 199 / 0770747474 / 0620545454.”

• Somalian Intelligence and Security Agency, May 15: “Mogadishu, May 15, 2026: The forces of the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), in cooperation with international partners, carried out a planned operation that inflicted serious injuries on three senior leaders (Cali Xuseen, Mowliid Jiis, and Maxamed Hiiraan) and destroyed multiple vehicles and bases, including one carrying a 39 anti-aircraft gun. This operation came after NISA received intelligence confirming that 39 militants were gathered in the Buq-aqable area, including members of the groups they call fronts, parties, and pioneer members. … Please citizen, any security threat or information related to Al-Shabaab/Daesh terrorists share with NISA: 199 / 0770747474 / 0620545454.”