Large numbers of Al-Shabaab militants, accompanied by military vehicles, have retreated to the Bay and Bakool regions in recent weeks following major defeats in the ongoing battles in the Middle Shabelle region, according to senior military officials.
General Hassan Isak Omar, the commander of the Somali National Army’s 60th Division—commonly known as Hassan Baidoa—confirmed that security forces are closely monitoring the group’s movements in the South West State.
“We know that the enemies of peace have been expelled from Middle Shabelle. They suffered heavy losses and have now shifted towards South West State, specifically to the Bay and Bakool regions. Our forces are prepared, and we will confront them just as we have successfully done in other regions,” General Hassan Baidoa stated.
He emphasized that Somali forces remain on high alert to prevent Al-Shabaab from establishing a stronghold in South West State.
“I have instructed division commanders to remain vigilant, secure their positions, and defend the region from any threats,” he added.
Recent military operations have inflicted significant losses on Al-Shabaab, forcing its fighters to scatter into new areas.
Meanwhile, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, accompanied by top military officials, has been visiting frontline battle zones in the Middle Shabelle and Hiiraan regions to oversee military operations aimed at intensifying the offensive against the militant group.
Security measures have also been reinforced in parts of Middle Shabelle, where sections of the president’s security remain stationed, while he moves towards undisclosed locations for further engagements.
