Mogadishu: The Somali army, supported by international allies, including Ugandan troops part of the African Union mission (AUSSOM), has successfully captured crucial areas previously held by al-Shabaab in southern Somalia, according to a statement from the Somali Defense Ministry. The military operation, which unfolded on Monday, marks a significant advancement in the ongoing efforts to dismantle the influence of the al-Qaeda-linked terrorist group within the region.

According to Anadolu Agency, the strategic locations of Daarusalaam and Mubaarak in the Lower Shabelle region were secured during the operation. These areas had long served as strongholds and 'safe havens' for al-Shabaab militants. The operation, dubbed Operation Rolling Thunder, was announced on Sunday as part of the larger Operation Bader, and it aimed at dismantling illegal courts operated by the terrorists, as well as targeting hideouts used by senior members for planning and launching attacks on civilian populations.

The Somali Defense Ministry emphasized the operation's success, stating that it 'dealt a significant blow' to al-Shabaab by destroying essential command posts and weapon caches. The liberated areas have been fully secured, and efforts are ongoing to track down remaining members of the terrorist group. The ministry had previously declared that Operation Rolling Thunder would persist until al-Shabaab is 'fully eradicated as a threat to peace, progress, and state-building in Somalia.'

Al-Shabaab has waged an insurgency against the Somali government for over 16 years, frequently attacking security forces, officials, and civilians. Since last July, the Somali army, with backing from AUSSOM and other international partners, has intensified its operations against the group. The AUSSOM's mandate was extended for another year by the UN Security Council in December, following a UK-backed resolution that authorized its continuation until December 31.