BAIDOA, Somalia — Somali special forces have carried out an operation targeting areas used by Al-Shabaab militants as hideouts and gathering points in the Bay region, the military said.
The operation was conducted by the 161st Unit of the 16th Danab Commando Brigade in Yaaq-Doomaar, where troops targeted locations allegedly used by the militants to shelter and organise their activities.
During the operation, one Al-Shabaab member surrendered to the Somali forces, according to the military.
Danab forces also destroyed the targeted sites, which authorities said had been used to support the group’s activities in the area.
The operation was aimed at disrupting Al-Shabaab’s movements and strengthening security in communities across Bay, the military said.
The Somali government has continued to rely on Danab commandos, an elite force trained and supported by international partners, in operations against Al-Shabaab, the country’s most powerful Islamist militant group.
The military did not provide further details about the identity of the surrendered militant or say whether there were casualties during the operation.
The reported operation comes as Somali government forces continue efforts to regain territory from Al-Shabaab and disrupt the group’s ability to organise attacks and maintain supply routes.
Bay is one of the regions where Al-Shabaab has maintained a presence and has carried out attacks against government forces and civilians.
Somali authorities have repeatedly said that military operations against the group are intended to weaken its operational capabilities and improve security for local communities.
