On Monday, the Ministry of Defense of Somalia confirmed that the Somali National Army (SNA), in collaboration with AUSSOM troops, specifically the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF), successfully took control of Daarsulaam and Mubaraak settlements located in the Lower Shabelle province. These settlements were previously used as hideouts and bases by the Al-Shabab group. The ministry stated that the Hilaac operation, which is part of a larger effort to combat Al-Shabab, targeted areas where the militant group held courts to suppress the people, as well as areas where senior leaders were hiding and plotting attacks on civilians and security forces. During the operation, the ministry reported that Al-Shabab suffered a heavy defeat, with their bases and weapons storage facilities being destroyed. The security forces also seized military equipment and documents related to the group’s terrorist activities. The security forces have now taken full responsibility for the security in these settlements and are currently conducting operations to strengthen security and eliminate any remaining Al-Shabab members.
