MOGADISHU: The Somali National Army’s elite Danab Commandos have freed nine civilians and killed five Al‑Shabaab militants, including a local commander, during a pre‑dawn operation in the Gambole district of Middle Shabelle region. The Ministry of Defence confirmed the operation, part of an ongoing campaign to dismantle militant networks and secure major supply routes in the area.
Military officials said the forces also destroyed a facility that the group had used to torture and harass residents. In addition to the five neutralised fighters, the commandos seized four AK‑47 rifles and one PKM machine gun. “This operation is part of continuous efforts by the Somali National Armed Forces to enhance security and dismantle militant networks,” the ministry said in a brief statement. Authorities reiterated the government’s resolve to escalate military operations targeting extremist groups and restore peace and stability nationwide.
The raid follows a pattern of intensified Danab and allied operations across southern Somalia. In a separate overnight raid in Gaalware village in Lower Shabelle, Danab commandos killed 25 Al‑Shabaab militants, recovering 17 AK‑47 rifles, one RPG‑7 launcher, and a PKM machine gun. The 165th Unit of the Danab Commandos has also conducted high‑intensity operations in the Buurhakaba district of the Bay region, clearing rural strongholds and restoring the vital terrestrial road connecting Lower Shabelle and Bay regions.
The Middle Shabelle region has seen a significant security push in recent months. Somali forces repelled a dawn assault by Al‑Shabaab militants on a military position earlier this month in Middle Shabelle, and clearance operations in the area have continued. Elite Gorgor Commandos have also targeted Al‑Shabaab cells in settlements under the jurisdiction of Warisse district, recovering weapons and ammunition abandoned by fleeing militants.
The Danab Commandos are a key component of Somalia’s counter‑terrorism strategy, routinely executing intelligence‑led raids in coordination with local militias and international partners. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has repeatedly vowed to eradicate Al‑Shabaab, describing the group as an existential threat to the Somali state. The latest operation in Gambole underscores the government’s commitment to securing rural areas and protecting civilians from militant violence as the federal administration pushes toward full security responsibility ahead of the gradual drawdown of African Union peacekeeping forces.
Recommended Reading on ftlsomalia.com:
- Danab Commandos Kill 25 Al‑Shabaab Fighters in Lower Shabelle
- Danab Commandos Launch Security Operations in Bay Region
- Somali Forces Repel Al‑Shabaab Attack in Middle Shabelle
- Gorgor Commandos Conduct Operation Targeting Al‑Shabaab in Middle Shabelle
- Somalia Marks 64th Army Day: President Vows to Eradicate Al‑Shabaab and ISIS
- Somali Forces Secure Mogadishu‑Baidoa Road as Defense Minister Announces Offensive
