Somalia: Airstrikes kill 60 Al-Shabaab militants in Galmudug region

Event

US military officials claim that at least 60 Al-Shabaab militants were killed in an airstrike on October 12 in Harardhere (Galmudug region). The strike was allegedly conducted in coordination with Somali officials, who have put the unofficial death toll at 117, all of whom are thought to be Al-Shabaab fighters. US forces were reportedly providing assistance to villagers fighting Al-Shabaab in the nearby Hiraan and Middle Shabelle regions. Future strikes and potential military engagement on the ground cannot be ruled out.

Context

Al-Shabaab continues to control large zones in the south and center of Somalia and attacks from the group are frequent across the country, including in Mogadishu. The group often targets government officials and military infrastructure in a bid to topple the Western- and UN-backed government and impose its own strict interpretation of Islam in Somalia.

Advice

Individuals in Somalia are advised to remain vigilant, and obey all instructions issued by the local authorities. The security environment in Somalia remains complex. Although travel is possible in some areas with proper security protocols in place, other areas should be considered strictly off-limits. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.