Baidoa: Somalia's Defense Ministry announced that national armed forces executed airstrikes targeting al-Shabab fighters near Baidoa, resulting in the death of 12 militants and injuries to several others. These operations were conducted early Monday in the Gasarta area on the outskirts of Baidoa, in collaboration with international security partners, as stated in a ministry release.

According to Anadolu Agency, Baidoa, which serves as the administrative capital of South West state, is located approximately 245 kilometers (152 miles) southwest of Mogadishu. The ministry highlighted that the operations are part of ongoing efforts to diminish the operational capabilities of the terrorist group and to bolster overall security in the region.

The ministry further emphasized Somalia's commitment, alongside international partners, to continue operations aimed at eliminating the threat of terrorism and ensuring enduring peace and stability. Al-Shabab has been engaged in an insurgency against the Somali government for over 16 years, with frequent attacks on security forces, officials, and civilians.

Since July, Somali forces, with the backing of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia and other partners, have ramped up operations against the group in support of the federal government. In December, the UN Security Council renewed the mission's mandate for another year under a UK-backed resolution, extending authorization through December 31.