Somali forces thwart al-Shabaab explosives shipment in Mudug region

The Somali government forces have recorded another massive security gain after they intercepted 150 tanks filled with fuel and explosive powder destined for the Al-Shabaab group.

The operation, supported by local residents, took place near Harardhere in the southern part of the Mudug region.

Military officials indicated that the shipment was being moved to areas controlled by Al-Shabaab. During the operation, authorities arrested two suspects linked to the shipment, who are currently under investigation.

According to the security forces, the recent seizure is part of ongoing efforts by government forces to disrupt the logistics and operations of Al-Shabaab. Previously, government forces had thwarted several car bombing attempts by the group in the Galmudug area.

However, Al-Shabaab has managed to regain control of some territories in southern Mudug in the past few months, following the withdrawal of government and local forces from those areas.

In April, the Somali government reported that approximately a hundred al-Shabaab members have surrendered across the South-Central states of Galmudug, Southwest, HirShabelle, and Jubaland.

According to the Ministry of Information, the wave of defections from the group has been welcomed by the government, which is now urging more militants to take advantage of the amnesty offered by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

The government’s amnesty program is a part of its broader strategy to combat terrorism and bring peace to the region.