By Horn Africa News
MOGADISHU — The Federal Government of Somalia has launched a new military buildup in Middle Shabelle as part of the second phase of its nationwide offensive against the militant group Al-Shabaab.
Senior officials, including Somalia’s Minister of Defense, the Governor of Banadir region, senior army commanders, and members of the Federal Parliament, traveled to Middle Shabelle over the weekend to mobilize forces and accelerate preparations for fresh operations.
The delegation met with local communities and Somali National Army (SNA) units, urging them to join hands in the upcoming campaign.
Authorities said large-scale operations are planned to target the few remaining areas in the region where Al-Shabaab fighters are still active.
Residents report heightened military activity across several districts of Middle Shabelle, with joint mobilization by government troops and local defense forces. In recent weeks, a series of consultative meetings has been held to coordinate strategies between communities and the military in order to sustain gains made during the first phase of the offensive.
Middle Shabelle was among the regions where Al-Shabaab suffered major losses during last year’s operations, but the group still maintains pockets of control.
The government now aims to dislodge them entirely as it intensifies pressure on the militants across central and southern Somalia.
