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| Africa Horn |
| Somali forces conduct security operation outside the capital |
| 2025-03-16 |
| [ShabelleMedia] Somali security forces, including intelligence and police units, carried out a security operation overnight in Elasha Biyaha, a town on the southern outskirts of Mogadishu, officials said Sunday. Senior officers leading the operation inspected businesses near the main road and urged residents to cooperate with security forces operating in the area. The security deployment came after reports emerged earlier in the evening suggesting that Al-Shabaab militants had entered Elasha Biyaha, though no incidents of violence were reported. The presence of the militant group in the area highlights ongoing security vulnerabilities. On Saturday, Al-Shabaab launched multiple attacks in the Lower Shabelle region, targeting the towns of Xaawo Cabdi and Awdheegle, where heavy fighting resulted in casualties. The militant group has intensified its attacks during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, aiming to reclaim lost territory and increase pressure on Mogadishu, where the Somali government is based. Al-Shabaab Attacks Village Outside Somali Capital Saturday [ShabelleMedia] The security situation in the Xaawo Cabdi area near the capital of Somalia has rapidly deteriorated following an attack by the militant group Al-Shabaab this morning, causing significant casualties. The brief but intense conflict began with explosions, followed by direct clashes between Al-Shabaab fighters and Somali forces, resulting in various injuries and damages. Eyewitnesses told Shabelle Media Network that the militants entered Xaawo Cabdi, a region located between Lafoole and Ceelasha Biyaha in the Lower Shabelle region. In response, the Somali government deployed helicopters to carry out airstrikes against the Al-Shabaab fighters in the area. Al-Shabaab has recently increased its attacks in the Middle Shabelle region, shifting its focus to the Lower Shabelle, escalating violence in the region. Earlier today, Al-Shabaab also carried out a suicide bombing targeting the Somali National Army’s headquarters in Awdheegle District. The exact number of casualties from the bombing remains unclear, and officials are awaiting further updates from the Somali government. |
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