Colonel Abdirahman Elmi Jimale, commander of the 6th Brigade of the Somali National Army's 60th Division, said the operation began at 4:00 a.m., with government forces launching coordinated assaults from multiple directions against Al-Shabaab positions located along the outskirts of Sablale district. According to the commander, troops secured several bridges near the district after armed group fighters withdrew from the targeted locations.

"The operation achieved its planned objectives, and our forces are continuing to pursue Al-Shabaab elements," Colonel Jimale said. He added that government troops remain approximately 10 kilometers from Sablale and intend to continue their advance. "We are not turning back, and we are working to take control of the town," he said.

Military officials said the Somali National Army conducted the operation backed by the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), which has been providing operational assistance to Somali security forces in ongoing campaigns against Al-Shabaab across several regions of the country.

According to Colonel Jimale, no direct exchange of fire was reported between Somali government forces and Al-Shabaab during the advance. He said the armed group retreated from the targeted positions before government troops consolidated control of the bridge crossings, allowing the operation to proceed without prolonged combat.

Residents in surrounding rural areas reported seeing military vehicles and troop movements before sunrise, with activity concentrated along roads leading toward Sablale. 

Local community members said movement through some sections of the area remained restricted as security forces continued clearing operations and assessed the security situation around the newly secured positions. Lamaane News Network was informed by local contacts that military activity remained ongoing later in the day.

Sablale district has long been regarded as one of Al-Shabaab's principal strongholds in Lower Shabelle, giving the area strategic importance because of its road network and access routes connecting surrounding communities. Somali government forces have intensified military operations in the region as part of broader efforts to reclaim territory held by the armed group and expand state authority.

Security analysts say control of key transport infrastructure, including bridges and road corridors around Sablale, could improve military mobility and logistics for future operations if government forces maintain their positions. 

Military officials said the operation is part of an ongoing campaign to increase government control in southern Somalia, with the Somali National Army carrying out the offensive backed by AUSSOM against Al-Shabaab positions.