Somalia, 7 October 2025 — Somali Security Forces (SSF), in coordination with international partners on Monday night killed seven Al-Shabaab members, including local commanders, in a planned operation carried out in Basra in Middle Shabelle.
A statement from the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) said the group was preparing attacks targeting areas between Mogadishu and Balcad, adding that around 40 members had gathered at the location when security forces conducted the raid, destroying their encampment.
“The operation concluded successfully, fully preventing the planned attacks. No civilians were harmed during the operation,” the statement said.
Basra is a strategic location situated between Balcad and Afgooye town. The area has been a focal point for various military operations due to its proximity to major transport routes and its historical association with militant activities.
In the recent past, Somali Security Forces, in coordination with African Union troops and other international partners, have launched a major military operation against Al Shabaab in central and Southern Somalia. Early this week, a joint military operation conducted by the Somali National Army and AU Uganda troops recaptured Awdheegle town in Lower Shabelle, killing Al-Shabaab militants and seizing a cache of weapons.