That was five months after the militant group took over Bariire.

The operation marks a significant victory despite Al-Shabaab has proven to be resilient and has been on a campaign to take over many rural towns across southern Somalia.

According to official sources, Bariire had been under Al-Shabaab control for several months. During their occupation, the militants reportedly destroyed the Bariire Bridge—an essential infrastructure project previously built with support from international development organizations assisting Somalia.

The destruction of the bridge severely disrupted civilian movement and humanitarian access to the region.

Kaab TV obtained the first images from the scene following the intense operation, which included heavy aerial bombardments and direct ground combat.

The photos show extensive damage in parts of the district, including what appears to be an airstrike near the Bariire mosque.

Sources within the Somali government confirmed that the strikes were conducted by pro-government drones as part of coordinated efforts to dismantle Al-Shabaab’s defensive positions.

Throughout their occupation, Al-Shabaab militants had attempted to isolate Bariire by blocking major supply and access routes leading into the district.

Joint AUSSOM forces—comprising primarily Ugandan contingents and Somali troops—launched a multi-front offensive that eventually overwhelmed the insurgents and restored government control.

Following the liberation, local residents who had fled the fighting have begun returning to their homes.

Women from Bariire have taken the lead in cleaning the district’s main market and public areas, helping to restore a sense of normalcy after months of instability and destruction.

Officials from both the Somali government and AUSSOM have pledged to continue stabilization efforts in the area, including the restoration of key infrastructure, the reopening of schools and health centers, and the provision of humanitarian assistance to displaced families.

The post Photos from Bariire Show Devastating Impact Following Recent Battle appeared first on Kaab TV.

According to the report, the Wanla-Weyn district administration had demanded forced payments from the local community “under the pretext of constructing Wanla-Weyn Hospital.” However, residents refused to pay, citing a lack of trust in the local administration.

In response to the broadcast, armed officers from the Darwish police—a unit trained by the European Union for South West State—raided the radio station on Friday night and arrested Ismail Khalif Ahmed, who is both the station’s director and founder.

He was released the following day, Saturday, 31 May.

Journalists at Radio Wanlaweyn FM told Kaab TV they were forced to delete the report and issue a public apology as a condition for Ismail’s release.

This incident is the latest in a string of attacks and repression targeting journalists in the region.

In March, gunmen linked to the Banadir Police Commissioner, Moalim Mahdi, abducted Ibrahim Mohamed Mayow, a journalist based in Afgoye. He was found a week later in Mogadishu after being released by his captors onto the street at midnight.

In February, a government-affiliated clan militia in Lower Shabelle kidnapped journalist Omar Yusuf Mohamed (also known as Omar Guux), who reports for Nabad Somali TV, a Facebook-based news outlet. Omar had been covering local complaints about militia raids and arbitrary detentions in and around the KM50 area.

The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) reported that Omar was held in an abandoned makeshift shelter in KM50 and was later released the same day.

Southwest State authorities have not commented on any of these incidents.

The post Radio Wanlaweyn FM’s Director Arrested and Forced to Delete Critical Reporting appeared first on Kaab TV.

The ceremony was attended by high-ranking military officials, clan elders, and grieving family members, all mourning the untimely and suspicious death of the young officer.

At Isbahaysiga Mosque, where the funeral was held, there was little said—those who did speak focused on Colonel Farey’s good character and bravery.

“He never let his men down on the battlefield,” said former Prime Minister Ali Mohamed Gedi.

“His death shows how dangerous it is when the enemy remains within,” added clan elder Mohamud Ali.

Colonel Nur Farey, commander of the Somali National Army’s 14th October Brigade, was fatally shot on Saturday, April 5, during an army mobilization meeting at Abdow Dibille military camp near Afgooye, in the Lower Shabelle region.

According to eyewitnesses inside the camp, he was addressing soldiers when another soldier opened fire, killing him on the spot.

Shooter gunned down

At least one other officer was reportedly killed in the same incident, though that detail remains unverified.

The shooter was immediately gunned down by other soldiers, and his body was severely mutilated, making forensic identification and investigation more difficult, according to sources familiar with the case.

Nur Farey, father of eight children, who joined the Somali army in 2008, had received international training, including advanced military studies at the University of Turin in Italy, where he graduated in 2022.

He earned a reputation as a capable and brave officer, especially during the 2014–2015 Indian Ocean Operation, a large-scale military campaign led by African Union forces to dislodge Al-Shabaab from areas surrounding Mogadishu and key parts of Lower and Middle Shabelle.

“He was still a young officer during that time, but he quickly proved himself as a strategic and effective commander,” recalled former Somali National Army Chief Major General Dahir Adan Elmi. “His courage and discipline in combat made him stand out.”

However, the circumstances surrounding Colonel Farey’s death have sparked fresh concerns and political controversy in Somalia’s hugely divided security sector.

Ongoing rivalries

Multiple sources suggest that Farey’s killing may have had political undertones linked to ongoing rivalries within the federal government and the military establishment.

Colonel Farey had longstanding political ties to former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, the leader of Himilo Qaran, one of Somalia’s main opposition parties.

During the 2021 political crisis, Farey was among a small group of military officers who aligned themselves with opposition-aligned clan militias in Mogadishu, opposing then-President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo’s controversial bid to extend his term.

In recent months, some sources claim that Farey may have been working with Sharif Sheikh Ahmed to counter what they perceive as “attempts by the current administration under President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to seek a term extension beyond 2026” —a move that is increasingly drawing tension from various political factions.

Colonel Farey’s sub-clan affiliation, which aligns closely with Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, has further fueled speculation that his assassination may have been politically motivated.

At least military insiders indicate that such associations often result in officers being labeled as “enemies” by rival factions within the army loyal to the current leadership.

Tensions between President Hassan Sheikh’s administration and supporters of Sharif Sheikh Ahmed have recently escalated, particularly in the Middle Shabelle region.

Some Sharif-aligned clan forces reportedly refused to join federal troops in anti-Al-Shabaab operations, resulting in significant territorial gains by the militant group.

The killing of Colonel Farey is the latest in a disturbing pattern of unexplained and uninvestigated killings of military and security officers, mainly those aligned with the rival clans, since President Hassan Sheikh took office in May 2022.

Dozens of such cases have gone unresolved, further eroding public trust in the government’s commitment to justice and accountability.

President Hassan Sheikh was quick to issue a statement expressing condolences for Colonel Farey’s death last Saturday.

“Commander Nur Farey was a loyal fighter who sacrificed his life to defend the nation and uphold the freedom of the Somali people,” read the statement released by Villa Somalia.

It added that the federal government is launching a “thorough investigation into the terrorist attack” and remains determined to intensify efforts against extremist groups.

Former President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, meanwhile, issued a strongly worded condemnation of the killing and called for an independent investigation.

“Commander Nur Farey was a national hero—skilled, loyal, and a born leader,” Sharif said. “His death is not only a loss to the army but to the entire nation. I urge the Somali National Army Command and federal authorities to conduct a full, transparent investigation so that those responsible are held accountable.”

Despite official statements, many military officers including Farey’s colleagues remain skeptical about whether any meaningful investigation will take place, citing the government’s history of failing to pursue justice in similar cases.

As Colonel Farey is laid to rest, the questions surrounding his death cast a long shadow over Somalia’s already volatile political and security landscape.

The post Somalia Bids Farewell to Col. Nur Farey — But Questions Remain Over His Killing appeared first on Kaab TV.

According to colleagues and family members, Mayow, a reporter for the Mogadishu-based Dalsan TV, was covering Monday’s Al-Shabaab attack on Afgooye when he was summoned by armed officers linked to Banadir Regional Police Commissioner Mahdi Omar Muumin (commonly known as Moalim Mahdi).

Shortly after, he disappeared, and his whereabouts remain unknown.

A local journalist in Afgooye told SJS that Mayow was called by Moalim Mahdi after Dalsan TV published a video showing the aftermath of the mortar attack, which struck residential areas in Afgooye—a key agricultural town in the Lower Shabelle region.

Moalim Mahdi, a former Al-Shabaab defector who was promoted to Mogadishu police chief, was reportedly in Afgooye at the time of Monday’s mortar attack.

When a group of local reporters visited Afgooye police station to inquire about Mayow, officers there denied having him in custody and claimed they had no knowledge of his arrest.

Dalsan TV later posted on Facebook: “The police forces in Afgooye district have arrested journalist Ibraahin Mayow, who works for Dalsan Media. The journalist, who was arrested in Afgooye district, has reportedly been transferred to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) headquarters in Mogadishu.”

A Dalsan TV journalist told SJS that they have not yet seen Mayow or confirmed his whereabouts.

This is not the first time Mayow has faced danger. On 14 March, 2025, he survived an Al-Shabaab attack in Awdheegle district, Lower Shabelle, while covering a military operation. The attack targeted a Somali National Army (SNA) Gorgor unit base in Awdheegle.  Though Mayow managed to escape, he lost his camera equipment in the chaos.

Journalists covering military operations and Al-Shabaab attacks in Somalia are frequently targeted. Just last week, 24 journalists were briefly arrested, and one radio station was shut down in Mogadishu after reporting on an Al-Shabaab bombing in the capital.

Sadly, the Somali media community lost journalist Mohamed Abukar Dabaashe in the bombing.

SJS calls for the immediate and safe release of journalist Ibrahim Mohamed Mayow and urges the Mogadishu police under Moalim Mahdi to immediately disclose his location. Kidnapping a journalist is illegal and a serious violation of press freedom and human rights.

The Somali government and its affiliated militias must respect press freedom and the safety of journalists. They should refrain from targeting journalists, as it is their duty to report the truth, including the attacks and violations committed by both sides of the conflict.

“The abduction of journalist Ibrahim Mohamed Mayow is a grave violation of press freedom and an attack on the fundamental rights of journalists in Somalia.  We condemn these actions and we call for the immediate disclosure of his whereabouts and for his unconditional release,” said SJS Secretary General, Abdalle Mumin.

“While Al-Shabaab targets civilians, including journalists, in its terror attacks, it is deeply saddening that the Somali government is also attacking journalists, raiding media stations, and kidnapping reporters, such as Ibrahim Mayow, from the field. This poses a grave threat to press freedom and the safety of those working to report the truth in Somalia,” Mumin adds.

The post After surviving Al-Shabaab Attack, Journalist Ibrahim Mayow Abducted by Somali Police appeared first on Kaab TV.

Known for its fertile soil and diverse crop and fruit production, the region is central to Somalia’s food supply.

However, farmers in the area face relentless challenges that threaten their livelihoods and survival.

The majority of farmers in Lower Shabelle have been displaced, forced to abandon their land due to a combination of factors: insecurity caused by Al-Shabaab, ongoing clan militia clashes, and the devastating effects of climate change, which have reduced river water levels and rainfall.

As a result, many local farmers have sought refuge in displacement camps in Mogadishu and other places, leaving fertile lands untended.

Lower Shabelle is divided into eight districts. Six are under government control, while two—Kuntu Waarey and Sablaale—remain under Al-Shabaab’s dominance.

In towns like Janaale, a highly fertile area, farmers continue their efforts to cultivate crops despite overwhelming odds.

Caught between two worlds that cannot coexist

In Janaale, farmers must navigate a daily struggle between two opposing authorities. During the day, Al-Shabaab controls the farmlands and demands financial contributions in the form of zakawat (a kind of extortion tax).

At night, when farmers return home, they face the government, which imposes its taxes. Aweys Eebow Haji, a 60-year-old farmer from Janaale, describes this impossible situation.

“The output of our farms has significantly decreased because, during the day, we operate under Al-Shabaab’s control, and at night, we return to the government’s jurisdiction. This is unsustainable. We live between two worlds that cannot coexist.”

Al-Shabaab demands zakawat from farmers, often forcing them to deliver their harvested crops. Questions about affordability or legitimacy are not tolerated.

“You can’t question them,” says Aweys.

He explains that Al-Shabaab also forbids farmers from cutting down trees, as they use forested areas as hideouts.

Farmers who clear their lands risk being accused of harming Al-Shabaab’s operations and face severe punishments, including being forced to compensate with weapons.

For many, the challenges have become unbearable. Some farmers have abandoned their lands entirely, leading to vast areas becoming overgrown and uncultivable.

The lack of resources and investment further exacerbates the problem.

In government-controlled areas, irrigation systems have fallen into disrepair, making it nearly impossible to bring water to the farms.

Without proper irrigation, the lands remain unused, even during the rainy season.

Farmers like Aweys lament that, without unity and security in the country, these challenges will persist, and hunger will continue to devastate communities.

The Struggle in Shalambood

In Shalambood, another agriculturally rich town in Lower Shabelle which is about 96 kilometres, the situation is no different.

Approximately 90% of the population relies on agriculture for their livelihoods.

However, outdated irrigation canals and lack of investment hinder farming.

“The Shalambood canal, which once extended to Janaale, is now obsolete. It hasn’t been dredged in years. When the rains come, there’s no way for the water to reach our farms,” says Ali Adan Nur, a farmer in Shalambood.

He explains that while businesses did not show interest in investing, the local farmers lack the tools and infrastructure to store rainwater or modernize their farming methods.

Despite these dire conditions, Somalia’s Ministry of Agriculture has yet to announce or implement plans to support farmers in areas under Al-Shabaab’s control.

Farmers in these regions are left to fend for themselves, caught between militant threats and government neglect.

For the farmers of Lower Shabelle, farming is not just a livelihood—it’s a lifeline. Yet, insecurity, lack of resources, and the absence of effective governance have left them struggling to survive.

Many have resorted to waiting for rare food handouts and ration vouchers, unable to return to the lands that once sustained them.

(Watch this report on Youtube with video subtitle in English)

The post Lower Shabelle Farmers Struggle Between Al-Shabaab Threats and Government Neglect appeared first on Kaab TV.

The latest terror attacks occurred on Wednesday in Elasha Biyaha neighbourhood and Afgooye district, approximately 30 kilometers from the capital, as confirmed by eyewitnesses and authorities.

In the Afgooye district, a deadly ambush by Al-Shabaab targeted government soldiers, resulting in the reported death of at least two soldiers.

Meanwhile, in the Elasha Biyaha area, another armed group of militants unleashed an assault on Somali military base at Arbacow area. This camp, like others recently transferred by the African Union Mission (ATMIS), was a target for the heavily armed insurgents, who employed a combination of heavy weapons and explosives in their bid to inflict maximum damage.

Military officials reported that their vigilant efforts and resistance thwarted the attack, preventing any reported casualties despite the intensity of the dawn onslaught.

The residents of Elasha Biyaha bore witness to a harrowing exchange of heavy weapons, lasting for over an hour just before dawn.

The incident left the community in a state of shock and heightened concerns about their safety as the terrorist group continues to assert its violent dominance in the region.

Taking responsibility for both attacks, Al-Shabaab has once again demonstrated its capability and determination to strike at will, further destabilizing the already fragile security landscape in Mogadishu and its surrounding areas.

The brazen attacks have added to the growing tension and fear in the region, as security forces grapple with the ever-present threat posed by the extremist group.

The post Al-Shabaab attacks military base outside Mogadishu appeared first on Kaab TV.