MOGADISHU — The Federal Government of Somalia has launched a new military offensive in the Middle Shabelle region of Hirshabelle State aimed at recapturing areas previously vacated by its forces, according to multiple sources who spoke to Mustaqbal.

The operation involves Danab commandos, Gorgor units and elements of the Somali National Army, backed by a limited number of local fighters. The forces have begun coordinated movements against Al-Shabaab in an effort to retake strategic locations in the region.

Most of the troops involved were deployed from Mogadishu and had, in recent days, been preparing in areas on the outskirts of the capital, particularly along routes leading toward Middle Shabelle.

In a separate development, the federal government is also reported to have carried out a discreet operation in parts of Lower Shabelle in South West State, regaining control of areas along the coastal corridor between Mogadishu and Marka.

Sources said the wider military plan is to extend similar operations into parts of Middle Shabelle, Hiraan, Galgaduud and Mudug, which fall within Hirshabelle and Galmudug states, as part of a broader campaign to dislodge Al-Shabaab from key territories.