# Somali military operations against al-Shabab

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/somali-military-operations-against-al-shabab
> Updated: 2026-09-12T14:06:25.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2.

Somali government forces and international partners have conducted a series of military operations targeting al-Shabab leadership and territorial control.

In late August, operations in the Middle Juba region resulted in the death of Abdullahi Hashi Hirsi, also known as Ikhlas, who reportedly led the group’s intelligence wing. This followed the deaths of several other high-ranking militants over a five-month period, including officials responsible for extortion, explosives, and rescue operations.

By mid-September, the Somali National Army and special forces, including the Gorgor Commandos, expanded their offensive into the Middle Shabelle region. These operations successfully captured the Geel-gub area and various strategic bases, with the stated goal of re-establishing government administration in territories previously held by the militant group.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-12: Somali forces seize strategic territory in Middle Shabelle

Somali forces have seized strategic territory in Middle Shabelle from al-Shabaab, amid reports of a soldier's killing by militia during a period of heightened military activity.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/somali-forces-seize-strategic-territory-in-middle-shabelle

### 2026-08-31: Somali forces kill several senior al-Shabab leaders

Somali government and international forces have killed several senior al-Shabab leaders, including intelligence chief Abdullahi Hashi Hirsi, in recent joint military operations.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/somali-forces-kill-several-senior-al-shabab-leaders

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Cite as: Somali military operations against al-Shabab. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/somali-military-operations-against-al-shabab