Somali Army Seizes Key Al-Shabaab Strongholds in Lower Shabelle

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: The Somali National Army (SNA), backed by African Union forces and international partners, has taken full control of the strategic areas of Daarusalaam and Mubarak in the Lower Shabelle region, the Defence Ministry said.

The operation was conducted jointly with the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), including troops from the Uganda People’s Defence Force contingent.

The two locations had served as key Al-Shabaab strongholds, hosting command centres, weapons depots and makeshift courts used by the group to intimidate civilians.

The offensive, dubbed “Operation Rolling Thunder,” forms part of the wider “Operation Bader” campaign launched during the holy month of Ramadan to dismantle militant networks across southern Somalia.

Military officials said several command posts and arms caches were destroyed during the assault, dealing what they described as a significant blow to the group’s operational capacity. Clearance operations are ongoing to track down fleeing fighters and secure the newly liberated المناطق.

The Ministry of Defence and SNA command said operations would be intensified to eliminate remaining militant sanctuaries and strengthen security for civilians in the region.

Al-Shabaab, has waged an insurgency in Somalia for more than a decade, frequently targeting government institutions and civilians.