Somali forces carried out Wednesday afternoon operations near Welmaro, in the southern part of the country, reporting the neutralization of 17 individuals suspected of belonging to the al-Shabab terrorist network. The joint action involved regional militias as part of ongoing efforts to curb militant activity in the area.
The SONNA news agency described the individuals as members of a suicide group, noting that a majority were foreigners. Officials emphasized that the operation targeted a cell believed to pose immediate threats to local communities and regional stability.
Earlier on Tuesday, the Somali Army announced the elimination of 50 suspected al-Shabab members in another push with local militias in the Lower Juba region. Several senior figures were said to be among those killed, and security forces reported the seizure of weapons and vehicles following the operation. This development came days after a series of bombings in the region that caused significant casualties among al-Shabab ranks.
In recent months, Somalia has intensified military actions against al-Shabab with the support of local tribes and militias. These efforts reflect decisions by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to centralize counterterrorism operations while seeking to stabilize the country and improve security for its citizens.