The Somali National Army (SNA) joined forces with local militia and troops from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) from Burundi and Uganda to conduct a joint offensive in Cali Fooldheere forest, situated in the Middle Shabelle region.
According to the official statement released by ATMIS on Tuesday, the operation followed several days of an intensive ground and artillery offensive, which concluded on Sunday, October 1st.
The primary objective of the operation was to flush out Al-Shabaab militants from their hideout in Cali Fooldheere Forest.
Lieutenant General Sam Okiding, the ATMIS Force Commander, highlighted the strategic significance of Cali Fooldheere Forest,
“Over the years, the Cali Fooldheere Forest has become a key location where terrorists plan and orchestrate deadly attacks.
It also serves as a storage site for ammunition, including vehicles intended for Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs).” Lieutenant General Sam Okiding said.
Ambassador Mohamed El-Amine Souef, the African Union Special Representative for Somalia and Head of ATMIS, commended the joint forces for their successful offensive.
He expressed his admiration for the bravery and dedication of ATMIS troops and the Somali National Army in their efforts to degrade and combat Al-Shabaab.
Ambassador Souef reiterated ATMIS’s full commitment to implementing the Somali Transition Plan, which aims to transfer security responsibilities gradually to the Somali security forces.
The statement further revealed that the ATMIS and SNA forces are currently maintaining control over the captured areas while continuing to clear small pockets of Al-Shabaab presence in the northern regions of the Mahaday district in the Middle Shabelle region, which falls under the jurisdiction of Hirshabelle State.
The Somali government has been intensifying its military campaign against Al-Shabaab in recent months. However, it has encountered setbacks in its fight against the group in central Somalia.