Fresh details have emerged regarding the casualties from a powerful attack launched by Al-Shabaab early this morning in the Ali Gadud Mosque area of the Middle Shabelle region. The assault, which began with a series of explosions, targeted government forces and local militia known as Maawiisley.
Al-Shabaab fighters initiated the attack by deploying vehicle-borne explosives against military positions, striking from multiple directions. This triggered intense, close-quarters combat between the militants and government forces.
Local sources report significant casualties, including both deaths and injuries, although the exact numbers remain unclear. Following fierce clashes, Al-Shabaab successfully overran the area after government troops and local militias withdrew. Reports indicate that the government forces had been preparing for operations in the region in recent days.
The attack comes at a time when President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is leading military operations in the nearby Adale district, aiming to intensify the offensive against Al-Shabaab.
The militant group frequently carries out early-morning surprise attacks on military bases, and this latest assault underscores ongoing challenges in countering their tactics. Meanwhile, large-scale military operations continue in both the Middle and Lower Shabelle regions as government forces attempt to reclaim areas previously lost to Al-Shabaab.
