Somalia: At least 70 Al-Shabaab fighters killed in airstrike

Event

On Saturday, September 15, Ethiopian officials announced that an airstrike by the Ethiopian Air Force had killed at least 70 Al-Shabaab fighters in Somalia. The Ethiopian government has not disclosed when or where the airstrike was conducted. Further military operations against Al-Shabaab fighters, as well as attacks by Al-Shabaab, are possible throughout Somalia in the near-term.

Context

Al-Shabaab continues to control large zones in the south and center of Somalia and attacks from the group are frequent across the country, including in Mogadishu. The group often targets government officials and military infrastructure in a bid to topple the Western- and UN-backed government and impose its own strict interpretation of Islam in Somalia.

Advice

Individuals in Somalia are advised to remain vigilant, and obey all instructions issued by the local authorities. The security environment in Somalia remains complex. Although travel is possible in some areas with proper security protocols in place, other areas should be considered strictly off-limits. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.