The Somali National Army (SNA), in collaboration with the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), today launched joint clearing and search operations in Awdheegle town of the Lower Shabelle region.

The operation follows reports that the extremist Al-Shabaab Khawarij had planted numerous improvised explosive devices (IEDs) on roads, around the town, and even inside civilian homes.

The mission primarily aims to remove all explosive threats that endanger the lives of civilians and security forces, enabling residents to safely return to their homes.

The SNA and AUSSOM troops are also conducting extensive searches to ensure the complete elimination of any remaining Khawarij presence in the area, as part of a broader security effort to stabilize Awdheegle and its surroundings.