(11 Feb 2025) MOGADISHU (Halqabsi News) — The federal member state of Hirshabelle is mobilizing forces for a major offensive against Al-Shabab militants in the Middle Shabelle region.
Troops from the Somali National Army (SNA) and local forces have been assembled on the outskirts of Jowhar, the regional capital, in preparation for an operation to retake Gamboole district and surrounding areas.
Hirshabelle officials, including the Minister of Religious Affairs and Endowments, Ali Osman Ibrahim, visited the frontline to boost troop morale.
“Our visit was aimed at strengthening security and supporting the ongoing battle against the Khawarij,” Mr. Ibrahim said, using a term often applied to Al-Shabab. “We are committed to eradicating them.”
He confirmed that troops would advance towards Gamboole in the coming hours, stating that forces were positioned less than 15km from the district. “By the will of Allah, we will reach and liberate it soon,” he added.
The planned offensive follows a similar military campaign by Puntland, another federal member state, against ISIS-affiliated militants in the mountainous Bari region.
Halqabsi News
