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Somali Forces Launch Major Military Push in Middle Shabelle region Tuesday
[ShabelleMedia] Somalia’s federal government has deployed significant military forces to the Middle Shabelle region in a bid to retake towns and districts controlled by Al-Shabaab militants, security sources reported Tuesday.Large contingents of federal troops have been mobilized to key areas, including Wargaadi, Cadale, and other strategic bases, as part of a final push to recapture the Aadan Yabaal district and other areas seized by Al-Shabaab in heavy fighting months earlier. Local Macawisleey militia units are also participating in the operation, joining federal forces in preparations to reclaim Al-Shabaab-held territories in the Middle Shabelle region. The combined forces are reportedly coordinating efforts to dislodge the militants. In recent days, fierce clashes have erupted between Al-Shabaab and federal troops, supported by Macawisleey fighters, in areas along the border of Middle Shabelle and Hiiraan regions. These battles are part of a broader campaign to expel the extremist group from the region. Local journalists report a tense atmosphere, with residents fearing an escalation of violence. The federal government has vowed to continue operations against Al-Shabaab until Middle Shabelle is fully liberated. Al-Qaeda-affiliated militants, the al-Shabaab, are trying to make a comeback in central regions, following heavy fighting in the outskirts of Moqokori village, where the militants have been pushing out government troops and local fighters on the frontlines. For the better part of Monday, for the fifth straight day, the Al-Shabaab fighters engaged the Somali National Army (SNA) and the local forces in a fierce battle, with the group determined to retake the strategic village in central Somalia. Last week, the militants captured Xawaadley and El Hareeri villages, pushing deeper into the eastern Hiiraan region, forcing the government troops to wage counterattacks. So far, the government troops have yet to get a better footing. Al-Shabaab is sending more reinforcements every day, local security officials said, adding that they are aiming to capture Moqokori and Mahas towns. The militants seem to have regrouped following defeats in recent months. According to Ali Jayte Osman, the former Hiiraan governor, the Somali government is doing little to protect citizens from Al-Shabaab rage. The former governor blames Hirshabelle leadership for struggles in the fight against Al-Shabaab. The insurgents have stepped up operations in central Somalia, despite airstrikes and resistance from government troops and allied militias. The militants released footage of child soldiers training during Eid al-Adha, further signifying their expansionist mentality. Jeyte asked President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to dismantle Hirshabelle state and instead appoint governors for Hiran and Middle Shabelle regions, saying regional leaders are undermining efforts to fight Islamist insurgents who are gaining ground Posted by: trailing wife 2025-06-12 |
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