MOGADISHU — The Somali National Army (SNA) has executed a targeted security operation aimed at flushing out Al-Shabaab militants in the Hawaadley settlement of the Middle Shabelle region.
This latest military action is part of the continued, nationwide initiatives directed by the newly appointed SNA Commander, Brigadier General Ibrahim Mohamed Mohamud, to eradicate terrorist groups causing instability along the Shabelle River.
Securing Crucial Transit Points
The Hawaadley area, which is administratively linked to the regional capital of Jowhar, serves as a crucial transit point connecting various rural communities. Recognizing its strategic value, security personnel are conducting thorough, house-to-house searches of residences to prevent any fleeing Al-Shabaab members from finding refuge among the civilian population.
Additionally, enhanced security checkpoints and surveillance measures have been rapidly implemented on major regional roadways. These steps are designed to protect civilian populations from retaliatory attacks and ensure the safe passage of commercial and humanitarian vehicles.
Restoring Regional Peace
Commanders overseeing the ground mission stated their primary goals include restoring lasting peace, permanently destroying hidden militant bases, and stopping the extremist organization from re-establishing its extortion networks in the area.
This clearance operation aligns directly with the Federal Government’s wider, multi-front approach to decisively enhance security and stabilize Somalia’s central regions as international peacekeeping forces gradually draw down.
