At least six villages from across regions of Somalia have been recaptured from the Al-Qaeda associated force, Al-Shabaab in the past few days. In the past one week, Al-Shabaab has scaled up activity, terrorizing several towns and localities in Somalia, besides killing dozens of people in the process.
State media as well as local media have reported that several bases belonging to Al-Shabaab in Lower Shabelle have been destroyed including a number of secret houses that they use in extorting money from the people and businesses within the war-torn Somalia.
Military operations destroyed Al-Shabaab bases, the so-called Al-Shabaab court and secret houses where terrorist extort money from locals in Bulo-Arundi, Malable, Siigaale, and Busley-Daud in Lower Shabelle region.
The military operation came following series of Al-Shabaab activity from across Somalia which have left more than 30 people killed.
Recent militant activity prompting military operation;
- On Monday, two soldiers were killed in Bossaso after an IED targeted a convoy of Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni.
- A huge blast went off in Baidoa city of Southwest according to residents’ report. The blast happened in one of the main two bridges connecting the city as local sources indicate though no casualties were reported.
- Al-Shabaab publicly executed a young man on adultery allegation in Booco vicinity, in the outskirts of Beledweyne town, Hiran region of Somalia.
- Several police stations and checkpoints attacked in the capital Mogadishu, weapons and at least two police vehicles seized.
- At least 13 people have been killed in Beledweyne, central Somalia on Saturday after a suicide bomber detonated explosives in a restaurant packed with local officials and politicians.
- Al-Shabaab installing blockades in Dinsor town, Bay region of Somalia and subjecting the town from supply/flow of food and water. This subsequently resulted to locals vacating the town in masses to flee the devastating situation.
Al-Shabaab still controls large swathes of rural central and southern Somalia. Repeat attacks continue to be recorded on daily basis on military and civilian targets. Thus surveillance, both ground and aerial recommended. Resumption of airstrikes also recommended to disrupt increased enemy movements and activity.
