Reports from Gedo region indicate that heavy fighting broke out last night in Garbahaarey, the regional capital, after Al-Shabaab militants launched a major assault on government forces stationed outside the town.
According to local sources, the militants specifically targeted a government military outpost on the outskirts of Garbahaarey. This triggered intense, close-quarter combat between the two sides, resulting in significant, though yet unconfirmed, casualties.
Residents told local media that the fighting lasted for several hours and involved the use of heavy weaponry. However, they were unable to verify the exact extent of the damage and losses on either side.
Further updates suggest that government troops successfully repelled the Al-Shabaab attack, mounting a strong defense that forced the militants to retreat. Security officials have reported killing several attackers and securing the battlefield.
The situation in Garbahaarey remains tense this morning, with government forces conducting security operations and patrols in and around the area.
In recent days, Al-Shabaab had been amassing fighters near Baardheere and Garbahaarey districts, but government forces had been monitoring their movements closely. Last night’s attack appears to have been part of Al-Shabaab’s broader strategy, but was effectively countered by a prepared military response.
Gedo region remains a hotspot for Al-Shabaab activity, where the group regularly carries out ambushes, bombings, and targeted killings. In addition to the security challenges, Gedo is also grappling with renewed political tensions between the Federal Government of Somalia and the Jubbaland administration, particularly felt in the district of Beledhaawo.
