The Somali National Army has recaptured the strategic area of Sumadaale in the Middle Shabelle region after an offensive operation that drove Al-Shabaab militants from positions they had reportedly been using as hideouts, according to Somalia’s Ministry of Defence.
In a press release issued on Tuesday, July 28, the Ministry of Defence said the Somali National Army launched an offensive in the Sumadaale area, where Al-Shabaab militants had been operating in recent days.
The operation targeted defensive positions and bunkers used by the militants, with the military saying the hideouts were destroyed and the militants driven out of the area.
The Ministry said Somali forces were continuing clearance operations to consolidate security in Sumadaale and surrounding areas while pursuing militants and their leaders who fled during the operation.
The elite Gorgor Commandos have reportedly been deployed to conduct follow-up clearance operations, including searching for remaining threats and removing improvised explosive devices allegedly planted by Al-Shabaab.
The operation is part of the Somali government’s broader offensive against Al-Shabaab, as the Somali National Army continues efforts to regain territory and disrupt the group’s operational networks.
The Ministry of Defence said the nationwide offensive would continue until terrorist groups seeking to undermine the security and stability of the Somali people are defeated.
Mustaqbal
