Somalia’s Southwest state conducts operation in Baay region

Somalia’s Southwest state forces conducted an operation in Qansax Dheere district, Baay region, targeting Al-Shabaab fighters, local media reported on Tuesday.

According to security officials, a senior Al-Shabaab member was allegedly killed, while weapons and vehicles were seized during the operation. The slain leader was responsible for collecting Zakat funds for Al-Shabaab in Qansax Dheere district and surrounding areas, Southwest state forces said.

The Southwest state administration stated that military operations against Al-Shabaab would be intensified to ensure stability in the region.

“Operations against the group will continue to enhance peace across Southwest state,” the statement read.

The development comes as Somalia’s federal government engages in clashes with Al-Shabaab in several regions, including Hirshabelle, Galmudug, and Southwest state. The government has ramped up airstrikes and ground operations to counter the group’s attacks, which have escalated since the start of Ramadan. Al-Shabaab has since captured several areas previously held by government forces.