Lower Shabelle (KAAB TV) – The Somali National Army (SNA), led by the elite October 14 Brigade, has launched a series of coordinated military operations targeting Al-Shabaab strongholds in the Lower Shabelle region. These offensives are part of a broader government campaign to eliminate the presence of the militant group in southern Somalia.
The recent operations specifically targeted the villages of Malable, Sigaale, and Buulo Arundi, all of which fall within the Janale district — an area that has long been considered a strategic base for Al-Shabaab militants.
Lieutenant General Abdirahim Mohamed Munye, commander of the October 14 Brigade, personally oversaw the operations. Speaking to national media, he confirmed that government troops encountered fierce resistance from Al-Shabaab fighters, who had deployed armed militias in an attempt to thwart the army’s advance and to intimidate local farmers residing in the targeted villages.
“These terrorists were preparing to displace innocent farmers from their land, but our forces intervened swiftly to stop them,” said Lt. Gen. Munye. “Our mission is clear — we will not rest until every corner of Lower Shabelle is free from the grip of Al-Shabaab.”
He further emphasized that these military efforts will continue intensively until the entire region is secured and Al-Shabaab’s operational capacity is dismantled.
Lower Shabelle has long been a hotspot for Al-Shabaab activity, with the group exploiting the region’s rural terrain to launch attacks and maintain its logistical networks. The Somali National Army, with support from regional and international partners, has been conducting sustained operations in the region for several years. Despite some progress, challenges remain due to the group’s entrenched presence and use of guerrilla tactics.
The government’s latest actions reflect a renewed determination to restore peace and stability in the region, with military operations increasingly focusing on both disrupting militant activities and safeguarding civilian populations.