Somali Army Destroys Al-Shabaab Weapons Depots in Aadan Yabaal

Mogadishu — The Somali National Army has destroyed two Al-Shabaab weapons depots in a military operation in the strategic town of Aadan Yabaal, located in the Middle Shabelle region. Government officials stated that the raid is part of a broader campaign aimed at dismantling the militant group’s logistical network in central Somalia.

According to state media, the operation targeted facilities in the Howlwadaag neighborhood where explosives-laden vehicles were being prepared and weapons were stored. One of the depots reportedly burst into flames during the raid, indicating the presence of volatile materials or pre-rigged car bombs.

Aadan Yabaal, situated approximately 220 kilometers northeast of Mogadishu, has long served as a key base for Al-Shabaab’s operations across Middle Shabelle, Hiiraan, and Galgaduud regions.

This latest raid follows a similar offensive earlier this month in the same district, during which Somali forces reportedly killed at least 20 Al-Shabaab fighters. The back-to-back operations underscore Mogadishu’s determination to regain control over Aadan Yabaal—a district the federal government had previously lost to the militants.

Despite the government’s multi-phase military campaign launched in 2022 with international support, Al-Shabaab—an al-Qaeda affiliate—continues to carry out ambushes and roadside bombings across the country.

Officials emphasize that regaining full control of Aadan Yabaal is essential to breaking the group’s supply chain and restoring civilian governance in Somalia’s central regions.