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Somali forces, Ma’awisley militia push al-Shabaab back in Hiiraan offensive


Friday January 31, 2025



Beledweyne (HOL) — Heavy fighting broke out Friday between Somali National Army (SNA) forces, backed by local Ma'awisley militia, and Al-Shabaab militants in Cadow Gureey, a strategic village in Bula Burte district in the Hiiraan region.

The clashes involved heavy weapons and targeted forested areas where Al-Shabaab had established defensive positions. Initial reports indicate that both sides suffered casualties, but poor communication networks and mass displacement of residents have hindered efforts to confirm numbers.

Friday's battle follows an eight-hour clash on Thursday in Ji'ibow, a village along the Shabelle River. Government forces and their local allies seized the village, marking a key victory in the ongoing offensive to dislodge Al-Shabaab from rural strongholds. While specific casualty figures remain unclear, the capture of Friday's operation has been described as a critical step in reducing militant influence along key riverine routes.

Military officials confirmed that during Friday's fighting, joint forces cleared Al-Shabaab fighters from underground bunkers in Cadow Gureey. The militants had constructed extensive fortifications to resist advancing troops.

"This operation will secure rural areas and dismantle Al-Shabaab's logistical networks," said a senior military officer who requested anonymity due to operational security concerns.

The conflict has forced dozens of pastoral families to flee, leaving many without immediate access to food and shelter. Humanitarian organizations have expressed concerns about the growing displacement crisis in the region, as continued clashes make it difficult to deliver aid.

The Hiiraan region has become a focal point in Somalia's wider campaign against Al-Shabaab, with the federal government assuming security responsibility and intensifying operations since late 2024. With support from local militias and international partners, Somali forces have been targeting key militant hideouts to disrupt their operations and supply chains.

Further updates on the conflict are expected as more details emerge.



 





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