Somalia and the United States jointly conducted an airstrike targeting Islamist militants in Adan Yabaal, a strategically important town in central Somalia. The operation, described by the Somali government as "well-coordinated," occurred shortly after al-Shabab militants launched a raid on the town, which serves as a crucial base for military operations.

According to a statement released by the Somali information ministry on X, the airstrike resulted in the deaths of 12 militants, including several senior al-Shabab fighters. Al-Shabab, an al-Qaeda-linked group, has been engaged in a protracted conflict with the Somali government for nearly two decades, seeking to establish an Islamist state.

The recent fighting underscores concerns about a potential resurgence of jihadist activity in Somalia, marked by increased militant attacks, including a recent incident targeting President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s convoy. Al-Shabab controls significant portions of southern and central Somalia and continues to pose a substantial threat despite ongoing military operations.

The airstrike, executed by Somali armed forces and the US Africa Command (Africom) on Wednesday, aimed to neutralize the threat posed by the militants. The Somali information ministry stated that the targeted site was used by the militants as a gathering place and hideout. Importantly, the ministry emphasized that there were no civilian casualties.

Adan Yabaal, located in the Middle Shabelle region, has been a contested area, having been seized by al-Shabab in 2016 before being retaken by government forces in 2022. Heavy fighting erupted on Wednesday when al-Shabab fighters attacked the town using heavy explosives. Following the attack, al-Shabab claimed to have regained control of Adan Yabaal. Local residents corroborated this, confirming to AFP news agency that militants had indeed taken control of the town.