Mogadishu, Somalia (Horn Life) – Somalia’s elite U.S.-trained Danab Special Forces have ramped up a new wave of counter-insurgency operations in the southern regions, focusing on areas around Leego where Al-Shabaab militants maintain strongholds. The ongoing campaign seeks to dismantle the group’s hideouts and disrupt its influence across key territories.
For years, the regions of Lower Shabelle and Middle Jubba have endured relentless assaults by Al-Shabaab, resulting in the loss of thousands of civilians, government officials, and security personnel. In response, Danab’s latest efforts aim to cut off the group’s access to supply routes—particularly those linking Lower Shabelle to the Bay region—which militants have covertly used to transport weapons, food, and fuel.
Military officials say the operations include vehicle inspections, roadblock checkpoints, and intelligence-driven raids, all designed to deny Al-Shabaab freedom of movement and restore safety for local communities and humanitarian agencies.
The Somali Ministry of Defence has praised the military’s progress, describing it as a critical step toward dismantling extremist networks and reclaiming stability.
“These coordinated offensives reflect our national commitment to push back extremist threats and secure peace for the Somali people,” the ministry said in a statement released Friday.
Across the central and southern regions of the country, military offensives are intensifying. Despite facing pressure, Al-Shabaab continues to attempt a resurgence in towns such as Adan Yabaal, Mogokori, and Mahas—posing ongoing challenges for national forces.
To support these efforts, the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS, formerly AUSSOM) has pledged additional assistance to front-line troops, who have been stretched thin across multiple battle zones.
The Danab units leading these operations are a key component of Somalia’s counter-terrorism strategy and receive extensive training and logistical backing from U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) as part of Washington’s long-standing support in combating violent extremism in the Horn of Africa.
