MOGADISHU (SD) -The Somali National Army, particularly the 53rd Division of the 14th October, conducted a planned operation targeting coastal villages in the Lower Shabelle region.

A statement from the Somali government indicated that the military operation thwarted attacks prepared by Al-Shabaab militants, who planned to target the strategic areas around the outskirts of Mogadishu.

Military commanders leading the operation confirmed that a significant number of militants died as the ordinance exploded during preparations, with reports of casualties and injuries among those who were preparing the attacks.