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Somali government forces, working alongside Ugandan troops serving under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia, have taken full control of two important areas in the Lower Shabelle region. The Ministry of Defense confirmed the development on Monday, describing it as a major step forward in the ongoing fight against al-Shabab.
According to the ministry, the Somali National Army captured the towns of Daarusalaam and Mubarak after launching a carefully coordinated military operation. Officials said the offensive targeted locations that had long been used by the militant group as strongholds and safe havens. These areas were considered strategically important because they were reportedly used to organize and support attacks.
The operation was carried out with the backing of Ugandan forces under the African Union mission, as well as support from international partners. The collaboration reflects continued regional and global efforts to stabilize Somalia and weaken extremist networks operating within the country.
Defense officials stated that the main goal of the assault was to dismantle facilities used by al-Shabab, including sites described as illegal courts, command centers, and bases for planning attacks. Over the years, the group has been known to set up its own parallel systems of control in areas under its influence, including informal courts and tax collection systems. By targeting these locations, the government aimed to disrupt the group’s ability to operate and project power in the region.
During the fighting, several militant command posts were reportedly destroyed. The ministry also said that weapons depots and equipment storage sites were seized or dismantled. However, officials did not release details about casualties from either side. It remains unclear how many fighters were killed, injured, or captured during the operation.
After securing Daarusalaam and Mubarak, Somali forces began clearance operations to ensure that no remaining fighters were hiding in the area. The ministry said troops are continuing to search for militants who fled during the offensive. These follow-up operations are considered critical to preventing the group from regrouping or launching retaliatory attacks.
Lower Shabelle, located southwest of Mogadishu, has long been a key battleground in Somalia’s conflict with al-Shabab. The region is fertile and agriculturally productive, but it has also served as a logistical corridor for the militant group. Its proximity to the capital has made it strategically significant, both for government forces and for al-Shabab, which has frequently used the area to stage operations.
Al-Shabab, an extremist group linked to al-Qaida, has been fighting Somalia’s federal government for more than 16 years. The group regularly targets security forces, government officials, and civilians in its campaign to undermine the state and impose its own strict interpretation of Islamic law. Despite sustained military pressure from Somali forces and African Union troops, the group has continued to carry out bombings, assassinations, and raids in different parts of the country.
In recent months, the Somali government has intensified its military operations, aiming to reclaim territory and weaken the group’s operational capacity. Officials have repeatedly stated that securing key towns and supply routes is essential to restoring stability and allowing basic services to return to affected communities.
The capture of Daarusalaam and Mubarak is being presented by the Ministry of Defense as another milestone in this broader campaign. While challenges remain, authorities say the continued cooperation between Somali forces, African Union troops, and international partners is helping to shift momentum on the ground.
The government has urged residents in newly secured areas to cooperate with security forces and report any suspicious activities. Officials stress that maintaining control of recovered territories will depend not only on military presence but also on rebuilding trust and ensuring local stability.