Beledweyne, Somalia (Raxanreeb Online) – Somali National Army (SNA) forces, in collaboration with local security units, successfully intercepted weapons and a vehicle allegedly en route to the Al-Shabaab militant group in a coordinated operation in the Hiiraan region. The operation, conducted on the outskirts of Beledweyne, is being hailed as a significant success in disrupting the group’s supply chain.

According to the Commander of the 5th Battalion of the 27th Division, Colonel Maxamuud Xasan Ibraahim (Baakaay), the operation led to the seizure of 13 AK-47 rifles, which were being transported in a new vehicle. The commander revealed that intelligence about the shipment had been obtained in advance, allowing forces to act before the arms reached Al-Shabaab operatives.

“These rifles behind me were confiscated from the terrorists. The vehicle carrying them is new, and we captured it before it could deliver the weapons,” said Colonel Baakaay. He added that their intelligence team had been monitoring the shipment for two days before executing the successful operation.

While the driver of the vehicle managed to flee, the security forces secured the weapons and the vehicle. The confiscated arms have since been handed over to the Somali government for further action.