By Zakaria Hassan - Reporter
Somalia, 3 January 2026 Somali security forces have encircled nearly 500 Al Shabaab fighters in the Jabad Godane area as the military operation against the group in South West State intensifies.
During a press conference in Mogadishu today, Somalia’s Minister of Defense, Ahmed Macalin Fiqi, confirmed the encirclement, adding that the trapped militants had been given the option to surrender before further action is taken.
“We have surrounded nearly 500 militants in the Hawadley area near Jabad Godane, and we are giving them the option to surrender. If they refuse, we will take action to remove them from the area,” said the Minister.
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Minister Fiqi also noted that the military is closely monitoring the group's movements and anticipates further developments in the coming days.
In addition to the Jabad Godane operation, the Somali government is carrying out extensive military campaigns in Hirshabelle State and has reclaimed several areas previously controlled by Al-Shabaab.
The operations are part of ongoing efforts to eradicate the extremist group from its strongholds in central and southern Somalia.
