SHABELLE MIDDLE, Somalia — A senior Somali military commander visited front-line areas in the Middle Shabelle region on Friday, where government forces are carrying out heavy operations against the Islamist group Al-Shabaab, the army said.
Brigadier General Ibrahim Mohamed Mahmoud, commander of the Somali National Army’s Support Command, arrived in areas near Sheikh Yaala, Jabad Godane and surrounding villages, where fighting has intensified in recent days.
The visit was aimed at boosting ongoing operations to eliminate the militants and at encouraging Somali troops deployed on the front lines, military officials said.
Accompanied by senior officers, Mahmoud praised government forces for their “sacrifice, determination and vigilance” in confronting what Somali authorities describe as Khawarij — a term the government uses for Al-Shabaab fighters.
Somalia has stepped up military offensives in central regions as part of a broader campaign backed by local militias and international partners, seeking to weaken the group, which has waged an insurgency against the federal government for more than 15 years.
Al-Shabaab remains capable of launching deadly attacks despite sustained pressure from Somali forces and their allies.
