Afgoye(Mogadishu24)-In a coordinated effort to disrupt Al-Shabaab operations, troops from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) and the Somali National Army (SNA), along with the Somali Police Force, conducted a joint security patrol across key areas in the Lower Shabelle region.

The operation, led by Lt. Col. Charles Nyero of Battle Group 39, focused on securing strategic locations in Donka, Malad, Haw-Habid, and Afgooye, as well as ensuring the safety of the region’s Main Supply Route to facilitate the movement of goods and services.

ATMIS continues to mentor Somali Security Forces (SSF) to progressively assume full responsibility for the nation’s security. In a statement released Monday on X (formerly Twitter), ATMIS reaffirmed its commitment to bolstering the capacity of Somali forces as the country transitions towards self-reliance in security.

However, the operation comes in the wake of a tragic friendly fire incident in the Afgooye district on Sunday, where at least four Somali police officers and security personnel lost their lives. Sources attribute the deadly clash to a minor conflict over resource-sharing disputes between forces, highlighting ongoing tensions within security forces operating in the region.

The joint patrol followed Al-Shabaab’s claims of killing six Jubaland State soldiers and injuring 11 others in an attack in Bula-Haji town, located in the Lower Jubba region Yesterday. The group also claimed to have carried out attacks in Bay and Bakool regions under Southwest State in Somalia overnight.

This surge in militant activity and security operations comes as Somalia marks the seventh anniversary of the deadliest terrorist attack in its history. On October 14, 2017, a truck bombing in Mogadishu killed over 500 people, leaving a lasting scar on the nation and underscoring the ongoing threat posed by terrorist organizations like Al-Shabaab.

Despite these challenges, the Somali government and its international partners continue to strengthen their efforts to secure key regions and protect critical infrastructure, ensuring the safety and stability of the nation.