MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somali special forces rescued 30 hostages during an overnight operation near Afgooye in the Lower Shabelle region, about 30 kilometers south of Mogadishu, the Defense Ministry said Wednesday.
The hostages — including two women — had been held by al-Shabab militants in a makeshift detention site in Buula Madiina, according to the ministry.
Troops killed three suspected militants and destroyed the compound’s improvised prison during the raid, the ministry said.
“We have rescued 30 hostages, killed three militants and destroyed the prison as well as an illegal court that the group used to intimidate and punish civilians,” the ministry said in a statement.
Officials described the mission as part of ongoing efforts to free civilians held by al-Shabab and to weaken the group’s presence across southern Somalia.
“This operation shows our commitment to protecting our people and restoring security,” the ministry said.
All 30 rescued individuals were taken to safety and are receiving support, according to the ministry.
