MOGADISHU, 27 December 2025 – A senior Somali military commander visited key front-line areas in the Middle Shabelle region on Friday, where government forces are conducting heavy operations against the Islamist group Al-Shabaab.
Brigadier General Ibrahim Mohamed Mahmoud, head of the Somali National Army’s Support Command, toured locations near Sheikh Yaala, Jabad Godane, and surrounding villages, where clashes have escalated in recent days.
The visit aimed to strengthen ongoing offensives and to boost morale among Somali troops deployed on the front lines, military officials said. Accompanied by senior officers, Mahmoud praised the forces for their “sacrifice, determination and vigilance” in confronting fighters the government labels as Khawarij.
Somalia has stepped up military campaigns in central regions as part of a wider effort supported by local militias and international partners. The operations target Al-Shabaab, which has waged a deadly insurgency against the federal government for over 15 years.
Despite sustained pressure from Somali forces and allied partners, Al-Shabaab remains capable of carrying out deadly attacks, underlining the continuing security challenges in the region.
