Lower Shabelle, Somalia – The Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF) Land Forces Commander, General Sahal Abdullahi Omar, paid a frontline visit to government troops stationed near Awdheegle in Lower Shabelle, reinforcing morale amid the ongoing Phase Three of Operation Silent Storm.
The visit comes as Somali forces intensify coordinated military efforts aimed at dismantling Al-Shabaab’s remaining strongholds in southern Somalia. Gen. Omar met with unit commanders and rank-and-file soldiers, commending their resilience and urging continued vigilance as operations advance deeper into militant-held territories.
“Our forces are performing with courage and discipline. The enemy is weakening, and now is the time to push forward decisively,” Gen. Omar told troops during the inspection tour, according to military officials.
Operation Silent Storm, launched earlier this year, is part of a broader national campaign to secure strategic areas along the Shabelle River and reopen critical supply routes for civilians and aid agencies. Awdheegle, long considered a key agricultural hub, has seen periodic insurgent activity despite previous liberation efforts.
Military sources say Phase Three involves intensified ground maneuvers supported by intelligence-led strikes and community coordination to prevent militant regrouping. Local residents have reportedly been cooperating with the army by identifying Al-Shabaab hideouts and supply lines.
Analysts view Gen. Omar’s visit as both a morale booster and a signal of sustained command commitment to frontline engagement. It also reflects a wider trend of top military leaders appearing directly alongside combat units to reinforce unity and discipline.
The Ministry of Defence has vowed to maintain pressure on Al-Shabaab until full territorial control is restored. Officials indicated that similar high-level visits will continue across active sectors as operations progress.
As the offensive advances, authorities are urging civilians in liberated areas to collaborate with security forces and report suspicious movements, warning that Al-Shabaab may attempt desperate retaliations.
The coming weeks are expected to be decisive as SNAF units consolidate gains and prepare for further pushes into remaining insurgent-held enclaves.