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Danab Forces Disrupt Al-Shabaab IED Team in Lower Juba

Storyline:Security, War on Al-Shabaab

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Somali special forces backed by international partners have disrupted an Al-Shabaab team preparing explosives for use on roads frequented by civilian vehicles in Lower Juba.

According to a military statement, the Danab commandos carried out the planned operation near Harboole, in Afmadow district, targeting militants who were preparing and planting improvised explosive devices. The statement did not provide details on casualties.

The operation was aimed at preventing attacks on civilian traffic and disrupting an explosives capability that can restrict movement and pose a continuing security threat in southern Somalia.

The operation comes as Somali and regional forces continue military pressure on Al-Shabaab in Lower Juba, an area where the militant group has maintained a presence and used rural and forested areas to operate and mount attacks. Previous security operations in the region have involved Somali forces working with international and regional partners.

Lower Juba has also been an important area of counterinsurgency operations because of its proximity to key transport routes and the Kenya-Somalia border. Security assessments have previously identified the region as an area where Al-Shabaab has retained operational capacity despite military pressure.

The latest operation forms part of continuing efforts by the federal government of Somalia to weaken Al-Shabaab’s operational capabilities and improve security for civilians and commercial movement.

Danab forces and their international partners are expected to continue operations against the group as Somalia seeks to strengthen its own security forces and reduce the threat posed by Al-Shabaab.