The South West State administration has warned residents to stay away from areas where forces loyal to former South West President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen and Al-Shabaab militants are present, citing planned military operations against the militant group.
South West State Security Minister Isaaq Mohamed said the administration was preparing airstrikes and military operations targeting Al-Shabaab positions in parts of the state.
“We are targeting Al-Shabaab militants in areas of South West. We urge civilians to stay away from areas where these groups are present,” Isaaq Mohamed said.
The minister called on residents to exercise particular caution around areas experiencing military activity and locations identified as potential targets of security operations.
The warning comes amid continuing political and security tensions in South West State between the administration backed by the Federal Government and forces aligned with former President Laftagareen. Al-Shabaab also maintains a presence in parts of the state.
The minister said government and security forces were prepared to take military action against Al-Shabaab and urged civilians to avoid areas where the group and forces opposed to the government are believed to be operating.
Mustaqbal
