By Abdullahi Salad. - Reporter
Mogadishu, 29 August 2026 - Farmers from Lower Shabelle have complained about harassment by Al-Shabaab and damage caused by recent military operations, according to a joint press release issued Saturday by Somalia’s ministries of defence and agriculture following a meeting with the farmers.
The farmers raised their concerns during a meeting with Agriculture and Irrigation Minister Mohamed Abdi Hayir Maareeye, State Minister for Defence Omar Ali Abdi and Somali National Army Ground Forces Commander Brig. Gen. Sahal Abdullahi Omar.
According to the joint statement, the farmers said Al-Shabaab continued to disrupt farming communities and that recent government military operations had damaged property and agricultural production.
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The officials said the complaints would be documented and referred to the relevant authorities for investigation and appropriate action. They also stressed the need to protect civilians, their property and agricultural production during military operations.
The meeting comes as government forces continue operations against Al-Shabaab in Lower Shabelle.