Friday January 6, 2023
Ahmed Hassan Addow (Ahmed Da'i)
Mogadishu (HOL) - The former governor of Wadajir district, Ahmed Hassan Addow (Ahmed Da'i), said that Al-Shabaab
attacked the village of Hilowle Gaab in the Middle Shabelle region from three directions on Friday before being beaten back by the SNA and allied clan militia.
Al-Shabaab militants killed reportedly at least six people during the dawn
In an interview with state media, Ahmed Da'i said that government security forces sustained losses and injuries but were able to repel the Al Shabaab militants.
The former governor dismissed Al Shabaab's claims that the group had recaptured the town and seized military hardware.
Da'i believes that the Al-Shabaab fighters are hiding in the forests near Hilowle Gaab and added that security forces were in pursuit.
When asked if regional officials were forewarned about an impending attack, Da'i said it was difficult to avoid a surprise strike.
According to the Hirshabelle government, the Al-Shabaab fighters launched their attack on Thursday evening near Hilowle Gaab, which serves as the boundary between the Middle Shabelle and Galgaduud regions.
The spokesperson of the Hirshabeelle administration, Daud Haji Irro, said that the fierce gun battle lasted for over three hours.
Residents reported being awoken by three large blasts followed by a heavy exchange of gunfire.
Irro revealed that several senior military officers were killed in the attack, including commanders Hassan Ali Indhole, Abdukadir Mohamud Mohamed Teesto, Isse Qooley and Ahmed Noor Sheine. Many other soldiers were wounded.
Officials declined to specify how many soldiers or Al Shabaab fighters died in the failed raid.
Hilowle Gaab is a rural community that was liberated by the SNA last week after being held by the Al Shabaab for more than a decade.
Al Shabaab is also responsible for
killing nearly three dozen people and wounding scores more in a twin suicide car bomb attack in Mahas, a town in the Hiran region, on Wednesday.
The Somali government has reportedly airlifted more than two dozen injured for treatment in the Mogadishu capital.