Wednesday March 29, 2023
Mogadishu (HOL) - A fierce battle erupted on Tuesday between government forces, local militia, and al-Shabaab militants in the Hiiraan region, according to local reports.
The battle began when al-Shabaab forces crossed the Shabelle River on the west side and attacked an army base in the Bardhere area, where local and government forces were stationed.
The militants responsible for the attack reportedly retreated across the river. The number of casualties caused by the fight is not yet officially known.
Wednesday's attack is not the first time al-Shabaab forces have crossed the Shabelle River to strike at the positions of the Ma'awisley forces and the government in the eastern part of the Hiiraan region. However, al-Shabaab has already been driven out of that area.
Tuesday's attack occurred just hours after government forces, supported by local Ma'awisley fighters, successfully recaptured several villages in the Gal'ad district of Galgadud. The villages of Tih, Barag Sheikh Aamir, Alihele, and Ali Ahmed were among those recaptured.