Somali Forces Repel Militant Attack in Middle Shabelle, Kill Senior Commander

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Somalia’s national army, backed by allied local forces, have repelled an attack by Al Shabaab-linked fighters on the Wargaadhi area of Middle Shabelle region, the defence ministry said, killing a senior militant commander and inflicting heavy losses on the group.

Military officials said the assault was thwarted after coordinated operations by the Somali National Army (SNA) and community fighters, forcing the militants to retreat. Several attackers were killed, while others fled the area and are being pursued by government forces, the army said.

“The security situation in Wargaadhi is fully under control,” the SNA command said in a statement, adding that operations were continuing to prevent the militants from regrouping.

Somalia has intensified operations against al Shabaab in recent months, relying on cooperation between national forces and local militias to reclaim territory and secure key population centres in central and southern regions.