Somali National Army (SNA) forces successfully repelled an Al-Shabab attack on military bases near Bal’ad district in the Middle Shabelle region early Thursday morning, military officials confirmed.
According to SNA sources, the attack occurred during morning prayer hours and resulted in significant casualties among the militants.
“A large number of Somali National Army troops have this morning given an unforgettable lesson to the Khawarij militia who attacked military positions on the outskirts of Bal’ad district,” an SNA officer told Somali National Television (SNTV).
While officials did not disclose the exact number of militants killed, they confirmed that several bodies were found scattered across farmlands in the district.
Temporary Al-Shabab Incursion into Bal’ad
Reports indicate that the militants briefly entered parts of the district, including the Bal’ad police station, where they freed a number of prisoners. However, reinforcements from government forces quickly arrived, launching a counteroffensive that forced the militants out of the town. Authorities have since confirmed that Bal’ad is now fully under government control.
Rising Al-Shabab Activity in Middle Shabelle and Government’s Counterterrorism Efforts
Al-Shabab has recently intensified its activities in the Middle Shabelle region, launching several attacks over the past two weeks. In response, Somali security forces, with support from international partners, carried out a large-scale air and ground operation earlier this week in El Cali Axmed and Al-Kowther, eliminating over 70 Al-Shabab militants.
The Somali federal government has ramped up military operations to reclaim Al-Shabab-controlled territories, particularly in the south-central regions. The Middle Shabelle region, which connects Mogadishu to Hirshabelle state, has seen increased militant resistance as Al-Shabab attempts to counter the ongoing offensive with ambushes and hit-and-run attacks.
Somalia’s Ministry of Information has reaffirmed that these operations aim to dismantle Al-Shabab’s presence and secure key infrastructure, including roads and communication networks, essential for economic recovery and governance. The government has also called on local residents to cooperate with security forces by reporting any suspicious activities linked to Al-Shabab movements.
