U.S.-Backed Somali Forces Destroy Bomb Factory, Kill 18 Militants

Somali forces, supported by U.S. military partners, raided an Al-Shabaab bomb-making facility in a nighttime operation. The attack occurred on Thursday in the town of Saakow. According to Somalia's Ministry of Defence, the planned strike killed 18 members of the militant group. The target was a key explosives workshop in the Middle Juba region. Al-Shabaab, linked to Al-Qaeda, has fought for control of Somalia for years. The group frequently uses improvised explosive devices, or IEDs, in attacks on civilians and government forces. This operation is part of a larger offensive by Somali troops and their international allies. The goal is to dismantle the militant network's ability to manufacture weapons.