Lower Shabelle, Somalia – The Somali National Army’s elite Gorgor Commandos have carried out a targeted security operation in Cumar Beere and neighbouring areas of the Lower Shabelle region, in a mission aimed at protecting communities and deterring Al-Shabaab activity.
According to military sources, the operation was part of an ongoing campaign to ensure safe movement for civilians and security forces along key routes. During the sweep, the Commandos detected and destroyed a number of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) that had been planted along public roads. The explosives, believed to have been laid by Al-Shabaab militants, posed a severe risk to travellers, local residents, and humanitarian operations in the area.
Security officials noted that such proactive measures are critical to preventing attacks before they occur, especially in regions where insurgents have previously targeted civilian convoys, public transport, and market routes.
The Somali military continues to partner with local communities to gather intelligence, track militant movements, and maintain pressure on armed groups. Authorities emphasised that clearing IEDs not only saves lives but also restores confidence among residents, enabling normal daily activities and the delivery of essential services.
Lower Shabelle has been one of the regions most affected by Al-Shabaab’s insurgency, with the group using the area’s rural road networks for ambushes and explosives placement. Operations like this are seen as key steps in the government’s broader strategy to reclaim and stabilise contested territories.