MOGADISHU, 06 January 2026 – Somalia’s elite Gorgor commandos struck Al-Shabaab positions in the Lower Shabelle region on Sunday, uncovering a network of hideouts and a cache of improvised explosives. The planned strike targeted the Jawad Ari area, a known transit point for militants operating in the southern sector.
The mission was executed by the 203rd Battalion of the 1st Gorgor Commando Division. According to a military statement, the Turkey-trained unit moved into the area with precision, forcing Al-Shabaab fighters to abandon their equipment and flee into the surrounding brush.
Explosives Seized in Tactical Sweep
During the sweep of the abandoned sites, soldiers recovered various explosive devices. Military officials stated these weapons were intended for imminent attacks on civilian centers. Commandos also displayed captured tactical gear and logistical supplies left behind during the retreat.
The operation was spearheaded by Sayidnuur Daahir (widely known as “Afgub”), commander of the 203rd Battalion, alongside his deputy, Hassan Ahmed Gaabow, also known as “Hassan Yare.” Their presence on the front lines underscores the high priority the Somali National Army (SNA) is placing on clearing these strategic corridors.
Pressure Mounts in Lower Shabelle
Lower Shabelle has become a central theater in the federal government’s intensified security campaign. In recent weeks, the SNA has ramped up the frequency of its raids, aiming to disrupt the militant group’s ability to tax local populations and launch suicide strikes on the capital.
The military claims these latest maneuvers have inflicted “significant losses” on the group, both in terms of manpower and territory. While Al-Shabaab often melts away during these initial assaults to avoid direct confrontation with the Gorgor’s superior firepower, the destruction of their permanent hideouts limits their ability to regroup.
High-Stakes Gains
This latest raid in Jawad Ari is part of a broader offensive designed to stabilize the southern regions. By targeting the command-and-control hubs of the insurgency, the Somali government hopes to secure key supply routes that link agricultural hubs to the markets in Mogadishu.
Military officials have vowed to maintain a presence in the area to prevent the militants from returning once the elite units rotate out.
