Somali Airstrike Eliminates Senior Al-Shabaab Leader Yusuf Dhegnaas
Somali forces, with international support, successfully eliminated senior Al-Shabaab commander Yusuf Dhegnaas in a precision airstrike on March 5 in the El Ba’ad area of the Middle Shabelle region. The targeted operation is part of Somalia’s ongoing efforts to dismantle the militant group’s stronghold.
The strike, which hit a gathering of Al-Shabaab commanders, took place in the late afternoon, killing Dhegnaas and several other militants. Somali Ministry of Defense spokesperson Abukar Mohamed confirmed the operation’s success, stating, “We are pleased to announce that a key Al-Shabaab figure, Yusuf Dhegnaas, was killed in this operation, along with other senior members.” A follow-up attack in the Galcad area of the Galgaduud region further targeted Al-Shabaab operatives.
This airstrike is part of a broader counterterrorism campaign aimed at weakening Al-Shabaab’s presence in the Middle Shabelle region. The Somali government, in collaboration with international allies, has been ramping up military actions to disrupt the group’s activities.
While U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) has yet to issue an official statement, the U.S. has been actively supporting Somali forces through airstrikes. AFRICOM has confirmed conducting nearly a dozen airstrikes in Somalia this year, targeting both Al-Shabaab and ISIS leaders and networks to bolster Somali counterterrorism efforts.
Despite intensified operations, Al-Shabaab remains a persistent threat. In February, the group launched a major offensive, temporarily seizing several strategic towns, including Bal’ad—just 30 kilometers from Mogadishu—before Somali forces regained control. These attacks highlight the ongoing security challenges facing Somalia.
Adding to these challenges, Somalia’s security forces continue to struggle with financial and logistical constraints. The recent U.S. funding cut for the elite Danab special forces has further strained military resources. Somali Minister of Finance Bihi Imaan Egeh has urged citizens to contribute through taxes to offset these budgetary shortfalls.
With Somalia’s security forces relying heavily on international assistance, airstrikes remain a crucial tool in the fight against Al-Shabaab. However, sustained efforts and strategic funding will be essential to ensuring long-term stability in the region.
Follow Dalmar TV on Facebook for the Latest News
