Lower Shabelle, Somalia – The Somali National Armed Forces (SNA), working in coordination with international partners, carried out a successful operation in Awdheegle district of Lower Shabelle, killing seven Al-Shabaab militants and preventing a planned attack on vital agricultural lands.
According to security officials, the extremists were attempting to sabotage irrigation canals with the intention of flooding farmlands, a tactic the group has previously used to destroy crops and undermine food security in one of Somalia’s most fertile regions. Troops launched the pre-emptive strike before the militants could execute their plan.
“The operation eliminated a cell that was directly targeting the lifeline of local farmers,” a military source told reporters, stressing that the action averted what could have been a devastating blow to the livelihoods of thousands of families.
Awdheegle, located along the Shabelle River, is a breadbasket area that supplies Mogadishu and other towns with fresh produce. Farmers there have frequently been caught in the crossfire between government forces and Al-Shabaab, with the group often resorting to intimidation, extortion, and destruction of farmland to weaken community resilience.
The government described the strike as part of its broader campaign to dismantle Al-Shabaab’s ability to wage asymmetric warfare against civilians. Over the past year, Somali forces, supported by regional and international partners, have intensified operations in Lower Shabelle and other southern regions, reclaiming territory and disrupting insurgent networks.
Local residents welcomed the news, saying the operation brought relief to farming communities who feared another season of destruction. However, they also urged authorities to maintain security in the area to prevent the militants from regrouping.
The Ministry of Defense reiterated its commitment to defending the country’s agricultural zones, which are critical for national food security and economic recovery.
“Protecting our farmers is protecting Somalia’s future,” the ministry said in a statement.
This latest operation underscores the shifting focus of Somali counter-terrorism efforts—not only to eliminate fighters, but also to safeguard the resources and livelihoods that sustain the population.