Joint Somali–Ugandan offensive targets al-Shabaab strongholds

Somali National Armed Forces, backed by Ugandan troops from the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia and other international allies, have kicked off a major new push against the al-Qaeda-linked militant group al-Shabaab in southern Somalia’s Lower Shabelle region.

Announced on Sunday by Somalia’s Defence Ministry, the campaign—codenamed Operation Rolling Thunder—seeks to smash key militant bases, sever supply and attack routes, and bring safety to civilians plus vital farmlands in this fertile agricultural hub south of Mogadishu.

“The operation will press on until al-Shabaab is no longer a threat to peace, progress, and Somalia’s state-building efforts,” the ministry declared in its statement. It highlighted the grit of Somali soldiers, who are fighting hard even amid the holy month of Ramadan.

Al-Shabaab has held sway over swathes of southern Somalia for years. The group relies on the area for launching attacks, extorting locals, and running illicit networks. Recent months have seen Somalia ramp up pressure, chipping away at the militants’ strength and reach through sustained operations.

Operation builds on recent gains

This latest drive builds on those gains. Earlier this year, Somali intelligence dealt blows to al-Shabaab’s financial backbone. On 27 January, the National Intelligence and Security Agency confirmed the death of senior commander Ahmed Dhubad Xidig—also called Sheikh Adan Dheere—in a targeted raid by the elite Gaashan Force in the Daniga Baalow area of Lower Shabelle.

NISA described him as a long-time member who joined in 2008. He handled extortion rackets across regions like Mudug, Galgaduud, Hiiraan, and Lower Shabelle, looting public resources and squeezing civilians for funds. “After tracking him for a long time, our forces finally ended his life when he resisted during the operation,” the agency said.

His elimination followed closely on the heels of another strike that took out the group’s top finance chief, Abdullahi Hassan Abdi Osoble.

Strategic importance of Lower Shabelle

Lower Shabelle remains a hotspot. The region mixes strategic importance with economic value—its farms feed much of the country. Al-Shabaab’s grip has fueled violence, displacement, and hunger. International partners, including Ugandan forces under AUSSOM—the restructured successor to AMISOM—continue to provide crucial support in ground operations and logistics.

Observers note that while progress has been made, al-Shabaab remains resilient, adapting tactics and exploiting local grievances. The new offensive signals Somalia’s determination—backed by regional allies—to reclaim territory and protect communities.

Success will depend on holding ground, winning local trust, and cutting off the militants’ funding streams. For now, Somali troops and their partners are rolling forward, aiming to turn the tide in one of Africa’s longest-running insurgencies.