Image: from MoD Somalia 
X@MoDSomaliya
By Benjamin Foster | Staff Writer with Agencies
Somalia’s Defense Minister, Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, provided a major update on the country’s ongoing battle against terrorism, revealing that 868 terrorists have been killed in airstrikes since February 2025. In a briefing to Somalia’s Upper House of Parliament in Mogadishu, Fiqi highlighted the success of the Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF) and the critical role of precision airstrikes in dismantling terrorist networks in the Horn of Africa.
Record Number of Airstrikes and Key Terrorist Leader Losses
Fiqi reported that over 220 precision airstrikes had been conducted in the last several months, targeting militants from both ISIS (Daesh) and the al-Shabaab terrorist group. Among those killed in the strikes, 52 were senior leaders, including prominent figures from ISIS and al-Shabaab, two of the most dangerous and disruptive terror organizations operating in the region.
One of the significant victories came with the death of Mohamud Abdi Hamud, also known as Jacfar Gurey, the intelligence chief of al-Shabaab. Hamud, a founding member of the group, was killed in a precision airstrike in the town of Bu’aale, located in Middle Jubba. His death marks a major blow to al-Shabaab, which has waged an insurgency against the Somali government for over 16 years, focusing its attacks on military, security, and civilian targets.
Impact on al-Shabaab and ISIS
Since late 2024, the Somali National Army (SNA), bolstered by international partners, has significantly ramped up its operations against terrorists. In particular, airstrikes have intensified across southern, central, and northeastern Somalia, targeting key strongholds of al-Shabaab, which has entrenched itself in many areas. The northern Bari region, especially in the semi-autonomous region of Puntland, has also seen notable operations aimed at degrading the terrorist threat.
Fiqi commended the bravery and resilience of Somali forces, emphasizing that their efforts had not only led to the neutralization of key terrorist figures but had also resulted in the liberation of significant territories from terrorist control. The SNAF’s relentless pursuit of al-Shabaab has seen the group’s influence shrink in various parts of the country.
International Collaboration in Counterterrorism Efforts
The success of these operations is, in part, attributed to increased cooperation with international partners, who provide logistical, technical, and intelligence support to Somali forces. These partnerships have played a crucial role in helping the Somali military execute precision strikes with greater accuracy and effectiveness.
While airstrikes have dealt severe blows to terrorist leadership, the Somali government and military continue to face challenges in completely eradicating these groups. Al-Shabaab remains a potent threat, particularly in rural areas where it retains a network of supporters and insurgents. Despite this, Fiqi’s announcement signals that Somalia is making meaningful strides in its long-standing fight against terrorism.
The Minister of Defence, H.E. Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, together with the SNA CDF, General Odowa Yusuf Rage, today briefed the Upper House of the Federal Parliament on the progress of the Ministry of Defence and SNAF, recent achievements in the fight against terrorism, SNA reform, and… pic.twitter.com/iUPnklC0wd
— MoD Somalia 🇸🇴 (@MoDSomaliya) November 5, 2025
The Path Forward
Minister Fiqi’s statement underscores the Somali government’s commitment to securing its territory and defending its people from the ongoing threat posed by terrorist groups. The casualties inflicted on ISIS and al-Shabaab, along with the targeted killings of key leaders, are seen as vital milestones in the country’s broader counterterrorism strategy.
As Somalia moves forward in its fight against terrorism, the government is expected to continue its reliance on precision airstrikes while also focusing on bolstering ground operations and intelligence-gathering capabilities. With continued support from international allies, Somalia is striving to bring lasting stability to a region long affected by violent extremism.
Conclusion
The Somali government’s successful airstrike campaign has dealt a significant blow to both al-Shabaab and ISIS, with the death of nearly 900 terrorists since February. These operations, which have included the elimination of high-ranking leaders, serve as a testament to the progress made by Somali forces in their counterterrorism efforts. As the battle against extremist groups continues, Somalia’s defense ministry remains committed to protecting the nation’s sovereignty and ensuring the safety of its citizens.
Staff Writers at Open Chronicle produce in-depth, field-informed reporting on defense, diplomacy, cultural transformation, and global affairs. Known for clarity, accuracy, and analytical depth, they connect breaking developments to broader historical and strategic contexts. In addition to frontline journalism, Staff Writers also contribute to the Open Chronicle Encyclopedia, crafting authoritative entries that preserve critical knowledge and enrich public understanding.