NISA says Airstrikes targeted Al-Shabaab positions in Middle Shabelle

Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) says it has carried out airstrikes targeting positions used by Al-Shabaab in the Nuur-Dugle area of Middle Shabelle region.

According to a statement issued by NISA, the airstrikes were conducted in the area in the past several hours and targeted bases where members of the militant group were present.

NISA said Somalia received support from its international partners in carrying out the operation, without specifying which countries were directly involved in the strikes.

The agency did not disclose the number of casualties resulting from the operation. Local residents described the bombardment as heavy, although independent details on the impact of the strikes were not immediately available.

The operation comes as Somali government forces have intensified military movements in parts of Hirshabelle and Galmudug states in recent days as part of ongoing efforts against Al-Shabaab.

Somali security forces have continued to receive military and operational support from international partners, including Türkiye and the United States, as the government works to strengthen its capacity to conduct counterterrorism operations and take greater responsibility for national security.

Further details on the Nuur-Dugle operation, including the identities of those targeted and the extent of damage or casualties, are expected to be provided by Somali authorities.

Mustaqbal