Thursday February 27, 2025
Mogadishu (HOL) – Somali National Army (SNA) forces repelled an Al-Shabab attack on military bases on the outskirts of Bal’ad district in the Middle Shabelle region early Thursday morning, military officials reported.
According to SNA sources speaking to state media, the attack, launched during the morning prayer hours, resulted in heavy casualties among the militant group.
“A large number of Somali National Army troops have this morning given an unforgettable lesson to the Khawarij militia who attacked military positions on the outskirts of Bal’ad district,” an SNA officer told Somali National Television (SNTV).
While officials did not disclose the exact number of militants killed, they confirmed that several bodies were found scattered across farmlands in the district.
Earlier this week, Somali security forces, supported by international partners, launched a large-scale air and ground offensive in the El Cali Axmed and Al-Kowther areas, eliminating over 70 Al-Shabab militants.
In recent months, Somalia’s federal government has intensified efforts to reclaim territories held by Al-Shabab, particularly in the south-central regions. The Middle Shabelle region, which lies strategically between Mogadishu and Hirshabelle state, has witnessed increased militant activity, with Al-Shabab attempting to counter ongoing offensives through ambushes and hit-and-run attacks.
Somalia’s Ministry of Information has reiterated that the ongoing operations aim to neutralize Al-Shabab’s presence and safeguard critical infrastructure, including roads and communication lines, essential for economic recovery and governance efforts. The government has also urged residents in affected areas to cooperate with security forces by reporting suspicious activities linked to Al-Shabab movements.
Al-Shabab, an al-Qaeda-linked extremist group, has waged a violent insurgency in Somalia for over a decade, seeking to overthrow the federal government and impose its strict interpretation of Islamic law. The group frequently targets security forces, government officials, and civilians through bombings, assassinations, and raids on towns and military bases.
