Somali Forces Strike Back Against Al-Shabaab in Lower Shabelle

MOGADISHU, Somalia – In a significant blow to the Al-Shabaab militants, the Somali National Army, with the support of international security partners, launched a successful operation in the Lower Shabelle region.

This strategic move comes in the wake of a series of Al-Shabaab attacks in the area, including a deadly assault on a Ugandan base in May 2023, which marked one of the most devastating attacks on African Union Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) troops since their formation in April 2022.

The operation, which took place in the Lower Shabelle region, specifically targeted Al-Shabaab strongholds, aiming to neutralize the militants’ capabilities and disrupt their operations.

The Somali government, through its intelligence agency, has been working closely with international partners to ensure the success of these operations, which are a part of a broader strategy to regain control of territories long held by the insurgent group.

The Somali government has reported that the operation resulted in the killing of at least 46 Al-Shabaab members. This figure is consistent with the government’s ongoing efforts to counter the insurgency, which has seen numerous operations carried out across Somalia, particularly in the volatile Lower Shabelle region.

The Lower Shabelle region has been a hotbed of Al-Shabaab activity, with the group using guerilla tactics to harass and attack Somali and ATMIS troops stationed there.

The latest operation is a testament to the Somali government’s commitment to securing the region and protecting its citizens from the threat of terrorism.

The Somali government has also been working on a strategy to take over security responsibility from ATMIS troops, who began a drawdown of 2,000 soldiers in the region.

This move comes after 16 years of military operations by multinational forces from Uganda, Burundi, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Djibouti, who have helped the government regain control of large swathes of territory, including the capital since 2011.

As the Somali government continues its fight against Al-Shabaab, it is also working on a strategy to involve non-ATMIS troops from frontline states in the second phase of the military operation against the militant group. This strategy aims to bring an end to the Al-Shabaab insurgency and restore peace and stability to the region.

The successful operation in the Lower Shabelle region is a significant step towards achieving this goal, and it demonstrates the Somali government’s resolve to confront and defeat the threat posed by Al-Shabaab.