Middle Shabelle, Somalia (KAAB TV) – In the final hours of a coordinated military campaign, Somali national forces, with the support of local militia groups known as Mawisleyda, are conducting intensified operations in villages surrounding the area of Masajid Ali Gadud, located in the Middle Shabelle region.
The ongoing offensive is part of a broader effort to restore security around the strategically significant Masajid Ali Gadud Mosque, which was seized by the Al-Shabaab militant group just one day prior. The mosque and its surrounding areas have been a focal point of regional conflict due to their symbolic and strategic importance.
Local residents reported to Somali media outlets that they witnessed heavily armed government troops advancing toward neighboring areas still believed to be under Al-Shabaab control. Their presence signals a broader push by government forces to reclaim rural territory long held by the extremist group.
Among the areas targeted in the latest operations is the village of Tawfiq, as well as several other villages previously under Al-Shabaab occupation in the vicinity of the Ali Gadud Mosque. These actions form part of a growing campaign to break the stronghold of the insurgents in Middle Shabelle.
According to a statement released by Somalia’s Ministry of Defense, the current offensive is a continuation of the federal government’s intensified efforts to eliminate Al-Shabaab influence across the country, particularly in high-risk regions like Middle Shabelle. The Ministry emphasized that these military operations are designed not only to liberate occupied territory but also to safeguard civilian populations from militant threats.
The Federal Government of Somalia reiterated its unwavering stance against Al-Shabaab, declaring once again that the fight against terrorism will continue until every area under the group’s control has been reclaimed and returned to government authority.
This operation represents a significant moment in Somalia’s ongoing struggle to restore national security and stability, especially in regions long plagued by insurgency.