High-Impact Operations Shake Terrorist Strongholds in Somalia: Field Victories and International Support

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Somalia is currently witnessing an intensified campaign against terrorism, marked by targeted operations on the ground and a renewed international commitment to ensuring stability in this strategically located Horn of Africa nation.

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In recent hours, Somalia has experienced a series of notable security and military developments, coinciding with a high-level visit from the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM). The scene highlights both mounting pressure on extremist groups and the growing international partnerships designed to confront regional threats.

In the northeast, Puntland forces announced major victories over ISIS fighters entrenched in the Cal-Miskaad mountains, regarded as one of the group’s key strongholds in Somalia.

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According to a Puntland security statement, relayed by local Somali media, the latest military operations killed at least 15 ISIS fighters and enabled the capture of several strategic sites previously used for training and resupply.

Officials stressed that the campaign, launched late last year, is part of a comprehensive strategy to eradicate the group’s remaining presence in this rugged area. Over recent months, ISIS has suffered significant losses, confining its influence to a few scattered pockets.

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A Blow to Al-Shabaab

In central Somalia, national security forces, supported by international partners, carried out a precision operation targeting senior leaders of the Al-Shabaab terrorist group in Hirshabelle State.

The raid eliminated Hussein Abdallah Dalab, also known as “the Emir,” who headed the group’s security apparatus in the region and was one of the masterminds behind attacks on civilians and government forces. Intelligence sources, cited by local Somali outlets, described his death as a “crippling blow” to Al-Shabaab’s operational capabilities, likely to disrupt its leadership structure and impair its ability to coordinate new assaults.

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Significant U.S. Visit

Parallel to these field operations, the new AFRICOM commander, General Dagvin Anderson, made his first official visit to Somalia. He met with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and representatives of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).

During talks with the Somali president, General Anderson reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to building strong Somali defense institutions and continuing efforts to counter violent extremism. “The United States remains a steadfast partner in Somalia’s pursuit of a secure future for its people,” he stated.

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President Mohamud, in turn, praised the U.S. role in strengthening Somali security forces and highlighted AFRICOM’s contributions to military operations against Al-Shabaab. He reiterated his government’s determination to collaborate with international partners to consolidate peace and restore national stability.

In his meetings with African Union officials, General Anderson underscored the importance of burden-sharing and global cooperation in confronting terrorism. He emphasized that “the partnership between the United States and African forces is vital to ensuring Somalia’s and the Horn of Africa’s security over the long term.”

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He also commended the frontline efforts of African troops and acknowledged Washington’s ongoing logistical and technical support.

This visit comes as Somali forces, backed by the U.S. and the African Union, continue broad military offensives against Al-Shabaab strongholds in the country’s south and center. The discussions reaffirmed the critical role of close cooperation between Mogadishu and Washington in strengthening security and stability across the Horn of Africa.

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