18 Al-Shabaab Militants Killed in Airstrike in Somalia

The Somali army, in coordination with international partners, killed 18 al-Shabaab militants and destroyed two military vehicles in a targeted airstrike in Hiran, central Somalia. 

The operation is part of an ongoing national campaign to dismantle militant networks.

Despite military gains, experts stress that Somalia’s fight against terrorism must go beyond security operations. Analysts argue that tackling poverty, expanding education, and promoting tolerance are key to undermining extremist ideologies.

African affairs expert Dr. Ramadan Qarni highlighted the economic and climate-related pressures hindering Somalia’s anti-terror efforts, while Dr. Ismail Taher stressed the need for ideological engagement and development programs to reduce radicalisation.

Both called for stronger international cooperation, improved regional stability, and long-term investments in Somalia’s security and development infrastructure to counter the persistent threat of al-Shabaab.