BELEDWEYNE, Somalia – The Somali National Army (SNA) has reclaimed villages vacated by Al-Shabaab militants in western Hiiraan, a tactical withdrawal by the fighters after learning of upcoming military operations.
Officials stated that the Somali National Army (SNA) had been preparing an offensive in the area. However, the operation was postponed after militants abandoned multiple frontlines, enabling the military to assume complete control. Troops advanced into regions surrounding the El-Adde settlement without encountering any resistance.
Senior military officials confirmed that the forces had secured these areas and would maintain stability. The military demolished fortifications utilized by extremists to launch attacks against civilians and security personnel.
Reports indicate the organization has lost numerous positions over recent months.
The officer stated, “Operations commenced without significant security incidents. We secured nine locations and destroyed numerous enemy defensive positions.”
Military personnel are tracking down fleeing combatants and aim to eliminate the group’s remaining strongholds in western Hiiraan.
Al-Shabaab militants are struggling to maintain their presence in central and southern Somalia.
In separate developments, Jubbaland and SNA’s Danab forces have seized Mugaambo, Fagan, and Manamufo, now only 30 kilometers from Jilib. Al-Shabaab supply lines in southern Somalia have been severed, strategic sites abandoned, and the organisation’s authority across the corridor is rapidly deteriorating.
The advancing military is moving toward the Jamaame-Jilib corridor, pursuing retreating Al-Shabaab militants following multiple offensive operations. The extremist group is attempting to undermine the unstable UN-supported federal government of Somalia.
