Mogadishu: The Somali army has successfully taken control of a strategic area in southern Somalia, previously used as a hideout by the Al-Shabaab terror group, the Defense Ministry announced. This development is part of an ongoing military operation aimed at curbing terrorist activities in the region.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Defense Ministry reported that Somali forces are actively securing the Hawaadley area in the Middle Shabelle region. This effort is part of Operation Badr, a newly launched military offensive targeting areas used as ‘safe havens’ by terrorists. The operation aims to dismantle the infrastructure supporting the Al-Shabaab group.

The Defense Ministry further elaborated that ongoing operations are focused on pursuing remaining militants and carrying out clearance activities in the areas recently reclaimed from the al-Qaeda-linked group. The operation has successfully destroyed several Al-Shabaab positions and storage facilities, significantly disrupting their operations.

Both the ministry and army command have emphasized that counterterrorism efforts will continue to intensify. The announcement of Operation Rolling Thunder on March 1 marked a significant phase within the broader Operation Badr. This initiative is supported by international allies, including Ugandan troops who are part of the African Union mission (AUSSOM).

Al-Shabaab has been waging an insurgency against the Somali government for over 16 years, frequently targeting security forces, officials, and civilians. Since last July, the Somali army, in collaboration with AUSSOM and other international partners, has escalated its operations against the group.

The United Nations Security Council renewed AUSSOM’s mandate for another year in December, extending authorization until the end of the year through a UK-backed resolution, reinforcing international support for Somalia’s efforts to combat terrorism.