The Somali National Army’s 144th and 145th Battalions of the 14th October Brigade on Tuesday carried out a planned operation in parts of the Lower Shabelle region, destroying Al-Shabaab hideouts and river crossings used by the militants.
Brigade Commander Lt. Col. Abdirahim Mohamed Munye said the forces targeted the villages of Malable, Beeraha Bay, Sigale Bari and Doonkaa-Daafeedow, all under Janaale district. During the sweep, troops destroyed several small boats the group had been using to cross the Shabelle River and dismantled sites where militants were extorting local farmers.
The operation coincided with the eighth anniversary of the October 14, 2017 Mogadishu truck bombing, the country’s deadliest attack that killed hundreds and caused massive destruction. The 14th October Brigade, formed in the aftermath of that tragedy, has since delivered notable victories against Al-Shabaab and played a key role in reducing its attacks in the capital.
