Reports from the Lower Shabelle region indicate that the Somali National Army clashed with Al-Shabab militants yesterday and today on the outskirts of Mubaraak area in that region. On Friday, government forces launched a major attack on Al-Shabab militants that were regrouping in the village of Ablik, located in the Mubaarak area under the Awdheegle District.
The fighting took place today in the small village of Ablik following yesterday’s clashes, with the Somali National Army and units of Gorgor Commandos containing a cleaning operation in the area.
The Somali National Army officers state that Al-Shabab was planning an attack on the Mubaarak area, and that the forces are actively working to avert the terrorist threat to the locality.
On March 2nd, the Somali National Army and Ugandan Forces—part of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM)—took control of Mubaarak following years of Al-Shabab rule.
The area is located approximately 10 km west of Awdheegle District. Mubaarak links Awdheegle and Janaale, occupying a strategic location along a route that connects the districts and settlements of the region.
