By Nuux Maxamed - Reporter
Somalia, 9 January 2026 - Somali special forces killed 22 Al Shabaab militants during an overnight operation in the country’s southern Bay region, the Ministry of Defence said on Friday, successfully neutralizing a cell allegedly preparing imminent suicide attacks.
The elite ‘Danab’ brigade conducted the targeted raid in the Buur Eyle area of the Buur Hakaba district within the Bay Region in South Central Somalia. Military officials said the group had been under surveillance for some time.
"The operation targeted a group of Al Shabaab terrorist militants who were preparing suicide attacks and vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIEDs)," the ministry said in a statement.
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In addition to the 22 casualties, security forces reported the destruction of vehicles and explosive materials intended for use in the capital and surrounding security targets.
The Ministry of Defence said the Danab forces were supported by ‘international partners’ —a term typically referring to U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) or African Union transition forces—and that all units returned safely to their bases following the mission.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to continuing counter-terrorism operations until the group is eliminated.
