BAIDOA— Regional authorities in South West State announced that security forces conducted a targeted operation and airstrike against Al-Shabaab strongholds on the outskirts of Baidoa, located in the Bay region.

According to an official statement issued by the South West State Ministry of Security, local security forces executed the planned operation at approximately 10:00 PM. The strike targeted three key facilities utilized by the insurgent group, situated roughly 30 kilometers outside the regional capital.

The ministry confirmed that the operation resulted in the deaths of 18 Al-Shabaab members, with numerous others wounded. The primary objective was the dismantling of strategic bases, which led to the destruction of significant stockpiles of weaponry and military equipment housed at the sites.

“We are sharing with the people of Baidoa the severe blow dealt to the Al-Shabaab militia overnight,” the Ministry of Security said in a statement.

Officials added that security forces remain on high alert and are continuing operations across the surrounding areas to secure the territory and prevent any attempts by the group to regain a foothold in the targeted locations.