Somalia: Somali Army Prepares Operations Against Al-Shabaab in Lower Shabelle

What the report says

A Somali National Army commander has called on troops in Lower Shabelle to get ready for planned operations against Al-Shabaab, according to a military statement carried by Shabelle and distributed by AllAfrica. The report says the message was delivered by Colonel Farah Mahmoud Hirsi, who commands the 82nd company of the 8th battalion under the 60th division.

Hirsi met members of the first platoon at their base in Buulo Mareer, in Kurtunwaarey district, and urged them to stay prepared for forthcoming action across the southern region. He framed the expected campaign as part of wider efforts to improve security and stability for civilian communities in areas affected by the insurgency.

The commander also told soldiers to remain alert, united and ready for combat as they carry out their duties. Al-Shabaab, an al-Qaeda-linked militant group, has fought Somalia’s federal government for more than a decade and continues to mount attacks on security forces and civilians, especially in southern Somalia.

The statement did not say when the operations would begin or identify which locations would be targeted first. In general, Lower Shabelle has been a contested area in Somalia’s long-running conflict, making any new military build-up there significant for both local security and the broader anti-insurgency effort.