Saturday May 17, 2025
Mogadishu (HOL) — Somali government forces, backed by allied clan militias, have recaptured two key villages from Al-Shabaab militants during an overnight offensive in Middle Shabelle, military officials said Saturday.
The operation targeted Towfiiq and Geedi Heyr, rural settlements near the strategically located Masaajid Ali Guduud, where intelligence reports had indicated Al-Shabaab fighters were regrouping. The assault began late Friday and ended with government forces taking control of both villages.
"We received actionable intelligence about militant gatherings near Masaajid Ali Guduud," said a senior commander involved in the assault. "We acted swiftly, and the area is now under our control."
Officials reported that several Al-Shabaab fighters were killed during the assault, although they did not release specific casualty figures. Security sweeps were still ongoing as of Saturday morning to clear the area of explosives and prevent the militants from returning.
The villages, though small, are located along key transit routes that Al-Shabaab has used to coordinate movements between southern and central Somalia. Their capture offers a tactical gain for the Somali government's broader efforts to reclaim rural territory.
Middle Shabelle has been a focal point in the government's campaign against Al-Shabaab, particularly since the involvement of Ma'awisleey — local clan fighters who have taken up arms in support of the state. While initial operations saw significant gains in 2022 and early 2023, progress has slowed in recent months due to funding shortfalls, logistical hurdles, and persistent insurgent attacks.
Still, officials say the latest offensive reflects renewed momentum.
The campaign to weaken Al-Shabaab's grip on Somalia's interior continues to rely heavily on a mix of federal forces, local militias, and international support.