Somali Army Chief Tours Liberated Bariire, Hails Offensive Gains

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Somalia’s army chief, Major General Odawa Yusuf Rage, visited front-line positions in Bariire, Lower Shabelle, as government and allied troops advanced against Al Shabaab militants in the Lower Shabelle region.

Odawa inspected the recently recaptured town to assess progress, fine-tune strategy and rally soldiers. He met local commanders, including Bariire’s regional head and Major General Ali Ahmed Xaashi of the elite 17th Gor Gor Commando Brigade, who reported on the latest gains.

Praising Somali forces and Uganda People’s Defence Force troops for securing a key strategic point, Odawa said their resilience was critical in dismantling militant strongholds.

The Somali National Army, supported by African Union forces, has intensified operations in Lower Shabelle under a broader push to expel al Shabaab from rural areas and expand state authority.