Somali Forces Seize Al-Shabaab Hideout in Southern Somalia

(MENAFN) The Somali military has captured a strategic area in southern Somalia that had been utilized as a refuge by the Al-Shabaab terror organization, the Defense Ministry reported on Wednesday.
According to the ministry, Somali troops are working to secure the Hawaadley district in Middle Shabelle as part of the newly initiated Operation Badr, a military campaign aimed at dismantling sites used by the militants as “safe havens.”

The ministry noted that efforts are ongoing to pursue remaining insurgents and conduct clearance missions in regions recently reclaimed from the al-Qaeda-linked faction.
Officials also stated that the offensive has successfully destroyed multiple Al-Shabaab positions and storage facilities.

Both the ministry and the army command emphasized that counterterrorism operations “will continue to intensify,” signaling a sustained effort against the group.

Operation Rolling Thunder, launched on March 1, is being carried out as a component of the larger Operation Badr. This offensive receives support from international allies, including Ugandan troops operating under the African Union mission (AUSSOM).

Al-Shabaab has waged an insurgency against the Somali government for over 16 years, frequently targeting security personnel, officials, and civilians.

Since last July, Somali forces, assisted by AUSSOM and other global partners, have increased military operations targeting the militant group.

The UN Security Council renewed AUSSOM’s mandate for another year in December, passing a UK-supported resolution that extends the mission’s authorization until December 31.

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