New details have emerged about an explosion that occurred today in Laba-Garas, a village in the Middle Shabelle region, where Al-Shabaab militants were reportedly preparing an attack. The blast resulted in significant casualties among the group.
According to the state media, the explosion severely impacted the militants who were handling the explosives, causing multiple fatalities and injuries. While the exact death toll remains unconfirmed, sources told Akhbar Media that the blast was powerful enough to be heard from neighboring villages. At least five Al-Shabaab fighters are believed to have been killed, with several others wounded.
Reports indicate that the militants were planning to use the explosives in an attack on Somali government forces and allied local fighters known as Maawiisley, who have been conducting military operations against the group in Middle Shabelle, a region under the Hirshabelle administration.
Laba-Garas is one of the latest areas where Al-Shabaab fighters have attempted to establish a presence. Currently, Somali government forces and local militias are engaged in a standoff with the militants in the region.
Middle Shabelle has witnessed intensified clashes in recent weeks as Al-Shabaab attempts to regain lost ground. However, joint operations involving federal troops, Hirshabelle state forces, and local fighters—supported by international airstrikes—are actively pushing back against the group’s resurgence.
