By Zamzam Osman - Reporter
Somalia, 6 January 2026 The Somali National Army (SNA) killed five Al-Shabaab militants during a planned operation in Gedo region, south of the country, on Tuesday, the Ministry of Defense said in a statement.
The targeted attack took place in the Ceel Cilaan area, approximately 30 kilometers (18 miles) east of Bardhere district. Military officials said the operation was launched to destroy a base used by the group to terrorize local communities.
“During the operation, five militants were killed, and the group’s facilities in the area were completely destroyed,” the Ministry of Defence said.
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Gedo remains a volatile hotspot in the long-running conflict between the government and the Al-Qaeda-linked group. Although the Somali National Army successfully reclaimed several key towns from Al-Shabaab over the past year, the group continues to maintain influence in rural areas.
The Ministry of Defense and the Somali National Army command reaffirmed their commitment to continuing operations against the group until “lasting peace and stability are achieved across the country.”
Tuesday’s operation follows a series of intensive military strikes in southern and central Somalia, as the government seeks to weaken Al-Shabaab’s operational capacity and ensure nationwide security.
