By Spy Uganda
The Somali National Army, backed by Ugandan troops serving under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) and other international partners, has launched a major new offensive dubbed “Operation Rolling Thunder” targeting strongholds of the militant group al-Shabaab in southern Somalia.
In a statement issued Sunday, Somalia’s Defense Ministry said the operation is focused on dismantling key al-Shabaab positions in the Lower Shabelle region, a strategic area long used by the insurgents to coordinate attacks and control vital supply routes.
According to the ministry, the joint forces aim to disrupt the al-Qaeda-linked group’s access to corridors used for terrorist activities, weaken its operational capacity, and eliminate remaining fighters believed to be plotting attacks against civilians and security forces.
“Operation Rolling Thunder will continue until the terrorist group is fully eradicated as a threat to peace, progress, and state-building in Somalia,” the ministry said, underscoring the government’s commitment to restoring stability across the country.
Lower Shabelle, known for its rich agricultural production, has frequently been a battleground between government forces and al-Shabaab militants. Authorities say the latest offensive also seeks to safeguard key farming zones and production areas critical to local livelihoods and national food security.
Al-Shabaab has waged an insurgency against the Somali government for more than 16 years, routinely targeting security installations, government officials, and civilians in a bid to destabilize the Horn of Africa nation.
Since July last year, Somali forces with the backing of AUSSOM and other foreign partners have intensified operations aimed at reclaiming territory and dismantling the group’s infrastructure.
The international commitment to Somalia’s stabilization efforts was reinforced in December when the United Nations Security Council renewed AUSSOM’s mandate for another year. The extension, backed by the United Kingdom, authorizes the mission to continue operations through December 31 as Somalia pushes forward with its campaign to secure lasting peace.
