(23-09-23) BARAWE — Heightened security operations are underway this Saturday in Barawe, a coastal town in Somalia’s Lower Shabelle region, involving the Somali National (SNA) and the African Union Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).
According to an official ATMIS statement, the joint military operation aims to head off planned assaults by the Al-Shabaab militant organisation. “Joint forces have stepped up patrols after intelligence reports revealed the activities of Al-Shabaab in the region,” the statement noted.
Barawe has maintained a period of relative tranquillity since its liberation from Al-Shabaab back in 2014. The extremist group had previously utilised the coastal town as a staging area for attacks in Mogadishu and other major cities. But recent intelligence reports indicate a resurgence of Al-Shabaab activities in the Lower Shabelle region, prompting both SNA and ATMIS to enhance their patrols.
The joint security forces have not limited their activities to Barawe, extending their operational footprint beyond the town. This marks a concerted attempt to solidify security and stability across a broader geographical area.
However, the atmosphere remains tense in Barawe. Contradictory activities in the area have augmented concerns among local residents, leading to fears of an imminent conflict. The town, which serves as the administrative centre of the South West state, has been a recurrent target for Al-Shabaab attacks.
Halqabsi News
