Lower Shabelle, Somalia| In a significant blow to the Al-Shabaab militant group, the United States successfully conducted a precision drone strike on December 24, 2024, killing senior Al-Shabaab leader Mohamed Mire, also known as Abu Abdirahman, in the vicinity of Quyno Barrow in the Lower Shabelle region of southern Somalia.
The strike, carried out in close coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, also eliminated another key operative within the group.
The operation underscores the ongoing partnership between the U.S. and Somali forces in countering terrorism in the region.
According to a statement from U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), an initial battle damage assessment confirmed that no civilians were harmed in the strike.
AFRICOM reiterated its commitment to ensuring precision in such operations to minimize collateral damage and uphold international humanitarian standards.
Al-Shabaab, an extremist organization affiliated with Al-Qaeda, has since confirmed the death of Mohamed Mire Jama, acknowledging the loss of one of its senior commanders and long-serving leaders.
Mire was a key figure within the group’s operational structure and had been instrumental in orchestrating attacks and maintaining the group’s influence in southern Somalia.
This latest development highlights the ongoing efforts by U.S. and Somali forces to dismantle Al-Shabaab’s leadership and disrupt its activities.
Al-Shabaab has been waging an insurgency in Somalia for over a decade, aiming to overthrow the internationally recognized Somali government and establish its interpretation of Islamic law.
The strike is part of a broader strategy to weaken the group’s leadership and operational capabilities.
The Federal Government of Somalia, with international support, has been intensifying its military campaigns against Al-Shabaab, particularly in the southern and central regions of the country.
The death of Mohamed Mire is expected to deal a significant blow to the group’s command structure.
However, analysts caution that Al-Shabaab remains a resilient organization capable of regrouping and adapting to setbacks.
This operation demonstrates the U.S.’s unwavering commitment to supporting Somalia in its fight against terrorism while ensuring regional stability in the Horn of Africa.
Further details about the operation and the identity of the second militant killed have not been disclosed, but the strike serves as a reminder of the persistent threat posed by extremist groups in the region and the ongoing international efforts to counter them.
