Somali government forces, backed by Ugandan troops serving with the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), have launched a new military operation targeting al-Shabaab positions in southern Somalia, the Defense Ministry said on Sunday.
In a statement, the ministry said the offensive, dubbed “Operation Rolling Thunder,” is focused on dismantling key al-Shabaab strongholds in the Lower Shabelle region and cutting off routes used by the al-Qaeda-linked group to carry out attacks.
The operation aims to weaken the group’s operational capacity, eliminate remaining fighters planning assaults, and protect civilians as well as strategic agricultural and production areas, the ministry said.
Authorities said the operation would continue until al-Shabaab is neutralized as a threat to peace, development and state-building in Somalia.
Al-Shabaab has waged an insurgency against the Somali government for more than 16 years, frequently carrying out attacks targeting security forces, government officials and civilians.
Since July last year, Somali forces, with support from AUSSOM and other international partners, have intensified operations against the group.
The UN Security Council renewed AUSSOM’s mandate in December, extending its authorization until Dec. 31 under a resolution backed by the United Kingdom.