Doha: The Somali National Army has arrested three suspected members of the Al-Shabaab militant group during a large-scale security operation in central Somalia, authorities announced on Saturday. In a statement, the army confirmed it had carried out the operation in areas surrounding the town of El Dher (Ceel Dheer) in the Galgaduud region, targeting remnants of the Al-Qaeda-linked group.

According to Qatar News Agency, the arrests come amid continued offensives against Al-Shabaab strongholds, with recent clashes near El Dher resulting in the deaths of more than 60 militants over the past few days. The Somali government has intensified its campaign against the extremist group, which has waged a deadly insurgency for over a decade. Al-Shabaab frequently carries out attacks targeting civilians, government officials, and security forces across the country.