A militia group that is totally opposed to Al-Shabaab has been operating in southern parts of Somalia for some time.
The self-organized militia has launched several fights against Al-Shabaab in the recent past.
Reports indicate that the militia has been sighted in Lower Shabelle.
According to sources, the militia is known as Ma’awisley. It has been sighted in a region that is considered the bedrock of Al-Shabaab.
Its emergence in the region comes at a time when security forces have been launching several operations in Lower Shabelle against Al-Shabaab fighters.
Al-Shabaab retains control in large swathes of Lower Shabelle and Middle Shabelle.
Ma’awisley fighters have been sighted in areas around Ballidogle Airport, Beled Amiin, Yaaq Bariweyne, and Leego.
Previously, Ma’awisley fighters mostly operated from Hiraan and Middle Shabelle.
Nevertheless, this is the first time their presence has been noted in Lower Shabelle too.
It is not clear whether the recent security operations by Somali National Army (SNA) and African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) forces target Ma’awisley militia too.