Reports from the Middle Shabelle region confirm that a powerful airstrike targeted Al-Shabaab positions in the Al-kowsar area last night, inflicting heavy casualties on the militant group.
The air raid specifically targeted a gathering of Al-Shabaab leaders and fighters, resulting in significant losses. According to reliable sources, the strike killed a senior Al-Shabaab commander, Ali Biyow Gaafow, along with his bodyguards. Gaafow was a well-known figure in the region and played a key role in leading Al-Shabaab operations in Middle Shabelle.
So far, the Somali government has not released an official statement regarding the airstrike, but further details are expected in the coming hours.
This attack comes just days after similar airstrikes struck Al-Shabaab hideouts in areas such as Eel Ali Ahmed, EelBa’ad, and Aden Yabaal, causing severe damage to the militant group. Additionally, air raids targeted the town of Jilib in the Juba region, hitting key Al-Shabaab facilities, including training camps and operational bases linked to senior figures Hassan Yakub and Amiin.
The recent airstrikes are part of a broader effort to support government forces and local communities actively fighting against Al-Shabaab insurgents. They also aim to disrupt the group’s attempts to reorganize and regain control over previously liberated areas.
