Tuesday March 4, 2025
Mogadishu (HOL) – The Somali federal government has confirmed that the Somali National Army (SNA) and local forces remain in control of El Ali Ahmed in the Middle Shabelle region following a failed attempt by Al-Shabaab to retake the area.
In a statement released Monday, the Ministry of Information said allied forces successfully repelled Al-Shabaab assaults, inflicting heavy losses on the militant group.
“The vigilant soldiers of the Armed Forces, supported by local militias, dealt a significant blow to the Khawarij enemy, thwarting their attempt to seize control. Many militants were killed, and our forces continue to maintain a strong presence in El Ali Ahmed and its surroundings,” the statement read.
The ministry also indicated that official casualty figures from ongoing military operations across the country would be disclosed in a forthcoming report.
Last week, fierce clashes erupted in El Ali Ahmed, lasting several hours as local forces engaged Al-Shabaab fighters. The battle ended with a decisive defeat for the militants.
Meanwhile, Somali government forces, in coordination with international partners, carried out airstrikes in the Biyo Cadde area of Middle Shabelle on Sunday. The Ministry of Information reported that at least 44 Al-Shabaab fighters, including senior commanders, were killed in the targeted strikes.
The Somali government has intensified its military campaign against Al-Shabaab, aiming to dismantle the group’s operational strongholds across central and southern regions of the country.