Middle Shabelle (KAAB TV) – Heavy fighting continues in the Aden Yabaal district following a large-scale assault launched by the militant group Al-Shabaab early this morning. The attack began with a series of explosions targeting government and local militia bases, quickly escalating into fierce, close-quarters combat.
According to local sources, Al-Shabaab fighters attacked from three directions, initiating a direct battle with Somali government forces and allied local militias. While reports confirm casualties, including both deaths and injuries, the exact number remains unclear due to the ongoing conflict.
The clashes have now spread deeper into the Aden Yabaal district, with reports indicating that Al-Shabaab is making a strong push to seize control of military positions. However, government and allied forces are mounting firm resistance.
No official statement has yet been released by the Somali government regarding the attack. The security situation in the district remains tense, with both sides reportedly receiving reinforcements, further intensifying the battle.
Aden Yabaal, one of the largest districts in the Middle Shabelle region, had previously been liberated from Al-Shabaab control and served as a key stronghold for the region’s stabilization efforts.
This latest assault comes just days after Al-Shabaab bombed the Ali Gadud Mosque and surrounding areas in Hirshabelle State. The group frequently conducts early morning ambushes on military installations, raising concerns about persistent vulnerabilities in the country’s security infrastructure.
Currently, large-scale military operations are underway across the Shabelle regions as government forces aim to push back Al-Shabaab insurgents who have been regaining influence in territories near Mogadishu, the capital.
Al-Shabaab, an extremist group designated as a terrorist organization by Somalia and several international bodies, continues to pose a significant threat to the stability of the region.