Somali Local Forces Advance in Galgadud, Retake Rebel Positions

GOOBJOOG NEWS | EL-DHER: Local defense forces in Somalia’s central Galgadud region have captured key militant strongholds following a coordinated offensive targeting forested areas near El-dher district, security officials said.

The operation, launched in the areas of Ali Andhole and Barag Sheikh Abdullahi, roughly 40 kilometers north of El-dher, focused on the strategic site of Ali Candhoole, described by officials as a major command base for the Al-Shabaab insurgent group.

Security sources said that government-aligned forces gained full control of all targeted positions after more than two hours of heavy fighting.

At least 10 militants were killed during the clashes, they added.

The forested hideouts had previously served as defensive outposts for the militants, used to stage attacks and resist counter-offensives from nearby towns including Oswayne and Galhareri.

The assault marks the latest in a series of operations that officials say have dealt a significant blow to the group’s presence in eastern Galgadud, with more than five offensives carried out by local forces in recent days.