Somali National Army Repels Al-Shabaab Attack in Middle Shabelle

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: The Somali National Army (SNA) successfully repelled an attempted attack by Al-Shabaab militants on military bases near Bal’ad district in the Middle Shabelle region early Thursday.

According to military sources, the militants launched the assault during the early morning prayer hours, prompting a swift and decisive response from the national forces. The SNA inflicted heavy casualties on the attackers, forcing them to retreat.

“The Somali National Army has dealt a significant blow to Al-Shabaab, thwarting their attempt to overrun military positions outside Bal’ad,” a military official told journalists.

While the exact number of militants killed was not disclosed, the official confirmed that several bodies were found scattered across farmlands in the area, highlighting the scale of the militant losses.

Intensified Operations

This latest clash comes just days after Somali security forces, backed by international partners, launched a large-scale air and ground offensive in the El Cali Axmed and Al-Kowther areas. That operation resulted in the elimination of more than 70 Al-Shabaab fighters.

The federal government has ramped up efforts to reclaim territories previously held by Al-Shabaab, particularly in the south-central regions. Somalia’s Ministry of Information reiterated that these ongoing operations aim to dismantle Al-Shabaab’s strongholds and secure key infrastructure such as roads and communication lines—critical for economic recovery and governance.

Authorities are also urging local residents to cooperate with security forces by reporting suspicious activities linked to militant movements, as part of a broader effort to ensure lasting stability in the region.