Somalia’s elite Danab special forces raided Al-Shabaab hideouts in the volatile Lower Shabelle region late Sunday, sparking heavy clashes that lasted into the early hours of Monday, security officials told Anadolu Agency. The offensive was backed by airstrikes targeting militant positions. The assault is part of an ongoing campaign by Somali forces and African Union peacekeepers to dislodge Al-Shabaab from its strongholds in southern and central Somalia. The joint operations have intensified since July but remain hampered by the group’s ability to strike back in urban areas, including Mogadishu.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has made the fight against the al-Qaeda–linked militants a top priority since his return to office in 2022. However, the phased withdrawal of some African Union peacekeepers has left gaps in security, enabling Al-Shabaab to seize several bases vacated by Burundian and Ugandan troops. For more than 16 years, Al-Shabaab has waged a brutal insurgency, targeting security forces, government officials, and civilians in its effort to topple the internationally backed Somali government. Despite losing territory, the group continues to mount deadly attacks, highlighting the uphill battle faced by Somali authorities.
