Somali Special Forces known as Danab launched an offensive that targeted an Al-Shabaab base in Hirshabelle.
The government forces raided the militant base at Gambole village, about 50 kilometres west of Jowhar, Hirshabelle’s administrative capital and took control of the village.
Corresponding OSINT reports indicate that the forces carried out the early morning raid after they were informed that Al-Shabaab had called Jowhar traders for a meeting in the village.
On February 19, authorities in Hirshabelle in Jowhar arrested 17 traders for allegedly meeting Al-Shabaab leaders in the same village but.
Hirshabelle administration had earlier warned local residents against travelling to Al-Shabaab controlled areas.
