By Maher Ahmed - Reporter
Somalia, July 14 2026 – Somalia's Ministry of Defence said on Tuesday that joint airstrikes carried out with international partners killed 42 Al Shabaab fighters in central Hiraan, targeting militants who regrouped after clashes with government forces.
In a statement, the ministry said the strikes were conducted on Monday evening in Goobo village, about 10 km north of Mahas district, where A Shabaab fighters had gathered after retreating from fighting in the Sullaay and Waab-weyn areas earlier in the day.
The ministry said 42 fighters were killed and 12 others wounded in the strikes. It added that one military vehicle, along with defensive positions and facilities used by the group, was destroyed.
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The ministry said the airstrikes were part of ongoing operations by the Somali National Army, supported by international partners, to disrupt Al-Shabaab's ability to regroup and conduct attacks.
It also praised local Ma'awisley fighters, who have been supporting government forces in military operations against the Islamist militant group in central Somalia.
Somalia has intensified military operations against the group over the past three years with support from local militias, African Union forces and international partners.