MOGADISHU — Somali security forces have recovered around 100 jerrycans filled with highly flammable chemicals allegedly intended for the production of explosives during an operation in the Lower Shabelle region, authorities said on Friday.
Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) said the materials were discovered during an intelligence-led operation carried out with support from local residents in Jilib Marka.
“With the support of local communities, the special forces of the National Intelligence and Security Agency discovered jerrycans filled with highly flammable chemicals and substances buried underground in Jilib Marka, Lower Shabelle region,” NISA said in a statement.
The agency said the substances were allegedly stored by Al-Shabaab militants for use in manufacturing improvised explosive devices (IEDs) targeting civilians and security forces.
Security officials said about 100 jerrycans containing chemical substances were recovered from concealed underground storage sites. The operation followed intelligence provided by local residents who reported suspicious activity in the area.
Chemical experts consulted by security agencies said the recovered materials could potentially be used in explosive production, although the exact nature of the chemicals has not yet been disclosed.
Local officials said the information was reported on Thursday, prompting the swift security response and recovery operation.
The discovery comes as Somali forces continue operations against Al-Shabaab across multiple regions, with authorities emphasizing cooperation with local communities as key to disrupting militant networks.
No arrests were immediately reported, and investigations are ongoing.
