Somalia: SNA Forces Seize Al-Shabaab Hideout in Middle Shabelle: Defense Ministry

MOGADISHU, March 12 — Somali National Army [SNA] forces have taken control of an area in southern Somalia previously used by the militant group Al-Shabaab as a clandestine base, the Ministry of Defense said Wednesday.

The ministry said troops are working to secure the Xawaadley area in the Middle Shabelle region as part of a new military operation, named Operation Badar, targeting insurgent strongholds.

According to the ministry, operations are continuing to pursue remaining fighters and carry out clearing missions in areas recently recaptured from the Al-Qaeda-linked group. Officials added that several bases and storage facilities belonging to the militants were destroyed during the offensive.

Both the ministry and Somali military command emphasized that counterterrorism operations “will be further intensified.”

Al-Shabaab has waged an insurgency against the Somali government for more than 16 years, repeatedly targeting security forces, officials, and civilians.

Since July of last year, Somali forces, backed by the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and other international partners, have stepped up operations against the group.

The UN Security Council renewed the AU mission’s mandate for one year in December, allowing operations to continue until Dec. 31, 2026.

GAROWE ONLINE