Somali families return to ruins in Lower Shabelle after al-Shabab retreat

Families in Somalia’s Lower Shabelle are returning home after al-Shabab’s retreat, only to find their houses destroyed and farms abandoned. Many face severe hardship as they work to rebuild their lives amid limited security and scarce resources.

Original posting (with video)

Video breakdown

• Somali forces have retaken parts of Lower Shabelle from al-Shabab, who left behind widespread destruction. 13s
• Al-Shabab fighters used tunnels, planted explosives, and attempted to flood villages before retreating. 20s
• Returning families find their villages and crops destroyed, with many still displaced in camps far from home. 1m 27s
• Inter-clan fighting in newly liberated areas has also forced people to flee, complicating the return process. 1m 49s
• Despite recapturing territory, renewed al-Shabab activity and insecurity continue to hinder safe returns. 2m 12s

Photo: Returnees to Shabelle region. Source: Aljazeera.