Ethiopia’s air force launched airstrikes against Al-Shabaab in Somalia’s Middle Shabelle region, Somali officials confirmed. The operation targeted militant strongholds as part of ongoing efforts to weaken the group.
Somalia’s Defense Minister Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur stated that the airstrikes were carried out with the full knowledge of the Somali government. He emphasized that no foreign military action occurs in Somalia without prior coordination. However, details regarding casualties or damage were not disclosed.
Nur highlighted the strengthening security cooperation between Somalia and Ethiopia, particularly under the Ankara agreement, which provides a framework for joint counterterrorism efforts. This comes after Somalia recently approved Ethiopian forces to participate in the African Union Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).
The strikes align with broader military operations against Al-Shabaab, with Somali forces and their allies increasing pressure on the group, particularly during Ramadan. Meanwhile, Mogadishu authorities have heightened security measures, restricting weapons and military vehicles near Aden Adde International Airport following intelligence reports warning of potential attacks