The Somali National Army (SNA) conducted a highly critical mine clearance operation today in the Gololey area, located on the outskirts of Balcad town within the Middle Shabelle region.
During the sweep, the specialized Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit of the Somali National Army successfully located and safely removed an active improvised explosive device (IED). Intelligence indicated the device was recently planted by Al-Shabaab militants directly along a primary transit road. The concealed explosive posed a severe and immediate threat to both local civilian residents and commercial vehicles utilizing the vital route.
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Source: FTI Somalia News
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