The Somali national army and the American forces have yet again delivered a massive blow to the Al-Shabaab after destroying the group’s largest explosive manufacturing facility in the Middle Jubba region.

A statement from the Ministry of Defence dated January 9th, 2026, indicates that a joint targeted operation was conducted by the SNA and the U.S. forces targeting a factory where the al-Shabaab were designing and producing their improvised explosive devices.

The airstrike is being hailed as a major tactical victory in the ongoing efforts to destabilize the militant group infrastructure. It resulted in the elimination of 18 al-Shabaab militants, who included engineers involved in the manufacturing of the explosives that were being used to harm Somali people.

The destroyed explosive factory was identified as the largest facility of its kind operated by the group, which has now neutralized its capacity to supply explosives for future attacks.

The operation underscores deep military coordination undertaken by the Federal Republic of Somalia and its international allies in the fight against Al-Shabaab, which includes air surveillance, intelligence sharing, and precision airstrikes to support SNA objectives.

The Ministry of Defence and the Somali National Army command reaffirm their commitment to intensifying counterterrorism operations and strengthening efforts to safeguard the safety and security of the public.