The Somali National Army (SNA) has killed several al-Shabab militants, including two key logistics operatives, during heavy fighting in the Lower Shabelle region. According to a statement issued on November 12, the clashes occurred in the Shanta Baraako area on the outskirts of Leego, where government troops encountered a group of al-Shabab fighters. The army overran the militants' positions and destroyed their bases.
The two operatives killed were identified as Abdiftah Gaalgooriyow and Abdulqadir Hussein, who were responsible for overseeing logistics and the movement of supplies between Leego and Buurhakaba. The military command stated that they managed the movement of the group's vehicles and supplies along key routes connecting Jiiro Yaasiin, Jiiro Kuulow, Lidoow Jalaato, and Dhargo. These routes are crucial corridors used by al-Shabab to move personnel and supplies across southern Somalia.
The clashes are part of Operation Banooda, a military offensive launched last month to target al-Shabab positions along the Leego-Buurhakaba corridor and secure roads used by civilians and security forces. The area has witnessed repeated fighting in recent weeks, with both government forces and al-Shabab reporting casualties. The military's claims, including the identities and roles of those killed, could not be independently verified.
On October 26, Somali troops suffered heavy losses during a major battle near Jameeca, between Leego and Buurhakaba. Two soldiers told Reuters that dozens of government troops had been killed, while Somalia's Defense Ministry said its forces had killed approximately 75 al-Shabab fighters and wounded 56 others. The competing casualty claims could not be independently verified.
Government troops also came under attack near Leego on November 8 while advancing toward areas affected by the earlier fighting, according to military and local sources. Casualties were reported, but no official figures were released. The Somali National Army said units participating in Operation Banooda would continue operations against al-Shabab positions and work to secure major roads in the region.
Al-Shabab, an al-Qaeda-linked militant group, has waged an insurgency against Somalia's government for nearly two decades and retains a presence in parts of southern and central Somalia. The group had not publicly commented on the latest fighting. The Somali National Army's operations aim to weaken the group's presence in the region and improve security for civilians and security forces.
The military's efforts to secure the region are ongoing, with a focus on disrupting al-Shabab's supply lines and movement. The killing of the two logistics operatives is seen as a significant blow to the group's operations in the area. The situation remains volatile, with both sides reporting casualties and the potential for further clashes.
Key points
- The Somali National Army killed two al-Shabab logistics operatives responsible for transporting fighters and supplies in Lower Shabelle region.
- The clashes are part of Operation Banooda, a military offensive launched to target al-Shabab positions and secure roads used by civilians and security forces.
- Al-Shabab, an al-Qaeda-linked militant group, has waged an insurgency against Somalia's government for nearly two decades.
