Mogadishu, Somalia – Somali security forces, in a joint operation with international partners, have delivered a significant blow to the militant group Al-Shabaab, in a multi-day operation in the Lower Shabelle region. The offensive, which was part of a broader security campaign, saw the eradication of dozens of militants and the neutralization of several key enemy positions.
The operation, which was carried out in the strategic town of Bariire, involved the Somali National Army (SNA) and Ugandan forces serving under the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), with crucial support from international allies. During the offensive, which lasted for four days, the joint forces faced a determined attack from Al-Shabaab militants, who attempted a suicide attack using two explosive-laden vehicles. However, the forces’ quick and vigilant response allowed them to successfully intercept and safely detonate both vehicles before they could cause any casualties.
According to a statement from the Somali Ministry of Defence, the assault resulted in the elimination of over 70 militants. The operation’s success is a critical advancement in the ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability across Somalia. The Ministry commended the bravery and sacrifice of the soldiers, while also recognizing the sustained support from their international partners. The government has repeatedly stated its firm resolve to rid the country of Al-Shabaab and secure a stable and peaceful future for all Somali citizens.
This operation follows a series of recent security and diplomatic developments in Somalia, signaling a renewed push for national stability and international engagement. Other recent reports from the Somali National News Agency (SONNA) highlight the country’s diplomatic renewal and strategic partnerships. For instance, the Minister of Foreign Affairs has recently received credentials from new ambassadors from Ethiopia and Côte d’Ivoire, indicating a strengthening of bilateral ties. Furthermore, the Somali government is progressing with its “Financial War Against Al-Shabaab,” implementing legal and institutional reforms to dismantle the group’s funding networks. These efforts, which include revising the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act and enacting new counter-terrorism laws, are designed to cripple the militant group’s financial capabilities.
These coordinated efforts—both on the battlefield and in the diplomatic and financial arenas—represent a comprehensive strategy by the Somali government to tackle its long-standing security challenges and foster a period of renewal and growth for the nation.
