Somali Army Repels Al-Shabaab Assault Near Baidoa, Militants Killed

GOOBJOOG NEWS | BAIDOA: Somali government forces have dealt a decisive blow to Al-Shabaab militants in a pre-dawn battle outside Baidoa, killing several fighters in what military officials described as a preemptive and coordinated response.

The attack took place in the village of Burjeed, several kilometers east of Baidoa, the interim capital of South West State.

Al-Shabaab fighters launched the assault in the early hours, but the Somali National Army (SNA) had already been alerted by intelligence sources and moved swiftly to intercept them.

“We had prior knowledge of their movements and set up defensive positions overnight,” said a military official involved in the operation. “When they attacked, we were ready. Many of their fighters were killed on the spot.”

Military sources said the remaining militants fled the scene and are being pursued by ground forces backed by local forces. No official casualty figures have been released, but the army said a significant number of militants were neutralized.

The Ministry of Defence said more details, including images and video from the operation, would be shared in due course.

The failed attack highlights the Somali army’s growing ability to anticipate and repel militant offensives, following ongoing reforms and international training support.