Al-Shabaab militants have blown up the Barire Bridge in Somalia’s Lower Shabelle region on Monday , following intensified efforts by the Somali National Army (SNA) and African Union forces to reclaim key infrastructure seized by the group earlier this year.
The destruction of the Barire Bridge comes in the wake of surprise military operations launched by government troops against Al-Shabaab strongholds in Sabiid, Caanoole, Aw-dheegle, and Barire the last three days . While the operations were initially kept secret to dislodge the militant group from strategic positions, progress has been slowed by heavy resistance and preemptive sabotage by the insurgents.
On Monday, Somali and AU forces made attempts to retake the Anole and Sabiid bridges. However, the offensive was thwarted after Al-Shabaab fighters dug deep defensive trenches, halting troop advancement and forcing a temporary withdrawal. The third bridge in Awdhegle remains under Al-Shabaab control, with no reported breakthroughs by government forces.
Some Civilians have started fleeing the conflict zones amid intensifying clashes.
Mohamed Ibrahim Barre, the Minister of Constitutional Affairs for South West State and former Governor of Lower Shabelle, earlier strongly condemned the demolition of the Barire Bridge, calling it “a sign of their hostility toward the Somali people.” He voiced support for the ongoing joint military operations aimed at reclaiming the region.
“The deliberate destruction of bridges vital for civilian movement and economic activity reflects the group’s disregard for the suffering of our people,” said Barre.
The bridges in question are critical for securing access routes into Mogadishu and sustaining security gains in the capital and surrounding areas. Their loss has significantly impacted the military’s mobility and supply routes.
Governor of Lower Shabelle, Ibrahim Aden Ali Najah, remains in the area coordinating military strategy with Somali and AU commanders. His leadership of a regional security initiative continues to draw support from both federal and state-level authorities.
Security analysts warn that the destruction of key infrastructure by Al-Shabaab is part of a broader strategy to isolate urban centers, disrupt military operations, and assert control over rural territories.
As the military reassesses its strategy, government sources have reiterated their commitment to restoring access and eliminating Al-Shabaab’s operational capabilities in the region. However, the setbacks underscore the group’s enduring presence and the challenges facing Somalia’s stabilization efforts.
Mustaqbal
