Somali Troops Dismantle Al-Shabaab Checkpoints, Liberate Civilians in Lower Shabelle
Mogadishu (AX) — In a decisive military sweep, Somali government forces recently launched an operation in the sprawling Lower Shabelle region, targeting the shadowy network of Al-Shabab’s checkpoints. The region, long under the thumb of militant influence, witnessed a strategic dismantling of these barriers, liberating both civilians and their impounded vehicles, according to military officials.
The operation wasn’t merely a troop deployment; it was a concerted offensive journey. The 175th Battalion of the renowned 17th Gorgor Brigade joined forces with the 146th Battalion of the notable 14th October Brigade, turning their focus to the beleaguered village of Gumeysidiid. It was here that Al-Shabab, with an audacity typical of outlaw regimes, had boldly entrenched their stronghold by establishing illegal checkpoints.
Commanding Officer Colonel Nuur Mohamed Gaabow, at the helm of the 14th October Brigade, shared insights into this daring expedition. With a voice resonating with resolve, he detailed how the mission obliterated these enforced roadblocks, which had served as leverage for the militants to extort and disrupt the free movement of locals.
“We can’t keep standing by as the Khawarij impose tyranny on our people and undermine our sovereignty,” Gaabow candidly declared in an interview with state media. “Our resolve remains unyielding; the National Army forces are ever ready to pursue them into their hiding places. During this operation, we managed to not only dismantle their checkpoints but also liberate the captives and vehicles detained in Gumeysidiid.”
Looking ahead, Gaabow emphasized a continuous vigilance, intimating that similar operations would persist in the ever-troubled Lower Shabelle, a region where Al-Shabab’s shadow lurks persistently.
But what truly fuels this elusive group’s resilience amidst adversity? Primarily, these road checkpoints have been a cornerstone of Al-Shabab’s revenue strategies—taxing anyone and anything that crosses. This extorted wealth has been their lifeline, funding insidious campaigns that include horrific kidnappings, summary executions of those alleged to be spies, and orchestrated assaults on military convoys navigating the region’s highways.
The global context is not lost on Somalia. International allies, prominently including the U.S. military and the African Union peacekeepers, have fortified Somali forces, reinforcing both tactical operations and strategic frameworks against Al-Shabab. The central government has intensified efforts to choke off the group’s financial veins, especially those running deep in extortion and illicit taxation—infamous for sustaining their insurgency.
Yet, as Al-Shabab faces a landscape of territorial attrition, their menace still vibrates through bombings and lethal targeted assaults even in Mogadishu’s heart—areas ostensibly controlled by the government. Such is the paradox of insurgency: Can a diminished power still strike fear from the shadows? Unfortunately, the answer remains: often, yes.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International–Monitoring
