Somali security forces destroy al-Shabab courts in Lower Shabelle operation

Somali security forces dismantled several al-Shabab courts during a military operation in the Lower Shabelle region on Saturday, targeting the group's illegal checkpoints and fake judicial systems.

The joint operation, conducted by Somali military, police, and intelligence forces, took place in Ali Mahdi Park, Balad Amin, and nearby areas where al-Shabab had established their courts. According to security officials, these courts were used by the militant group to summon and extort local residents.

"We have destroyed the fake courts the group had set up in these areas. From today, it will no longer be possible for them to establish such courts again," a government official told state media. 

The government urged residents to rely on official judicial systems, reassuring them that justice would be served through the legitimate courts. 

"The Khawarij will not be able to reopen their false courts here. I encourage the people to seek justice in government courts," an officer said.

The operation follows a similar crackdown last year by the Somali National Army's 14th October Brigade, which dismantled al-Shabab checkpoints and courts in the Lower Shabelle region where the group had been extorting civilians.