Saturday May 31, 2025
Mogadishu (HOL) — The Somali government, in coordination with international partners, reportedly conducted an airstrike targeting Al-Shabaab militants in the Basra area on Friday night, a location strategically positioned between the towns of Balcad and Afgooye in the Middle and Lower Shabelle regions.
According to local residents, the strike struck an area frequented by senior Al-Shabaab operatives, with multiple explosions heard overnight. Preliminary reports suggest that an Al-Shabaab base on the outskirts of Basra was the main target.
Although the exact number of casualties remains unknown, sources indicate that the attack may have resulted in significant losses for the group. However, as of Saturday, the Somali government has not issued an official statement confirming the operation or identifying those responsible for carrying it out.
The airstrike follows a pattern of intensified aerial campaigns in Somalia, particularly by the United States, which has stepped up its efforts this year to dismantle militant strongholds linked to Al-Shabaab and ISIS.
Basra’s strategic location between major towns and its historical use as a militant stronghold make it a key area in the ongoing military campaign to degrade Al-Shabaab’s operational capabilities. This latest strike is seen as part of broader efforts to disrupt the group’s command structures and limit its mobility across southern and central Somalia.