Somali Forces Repel Major Al-Shabaab Assault in Middle Shabelle

Somali Forces Repel Major Al-Shabaab Assault in Middle Shabelle

In the early hours of Thursday morning, Somali army forces and local allies successfully repelled a large-scale attack by Al-Shabaab militants on a key military base in the Wargaadhi area of Middle Shabelle. The assault, which followed morning prayers, involved explosions and a coordinated ground offensive targeting Somali special forces, including elite Danab and Gorgor units.

Despite the ferocity of the attack, government troops held their ground. According to Deputy Minister of Information Abdirahman Sheikh Yusuf Al-Adala, the attackers suffered “heavy losses,” with numerous militant bodies left behind. The Ministry of Information later confirmed that at least 40 Al-Shabaab fighters were killed in two separate confrontations — one in Wargaadhi and another in nearby Labi Gooley.

This victory comes at a crucial time, as Somalia intensifies its campaign to uproot Al-Shabaab from central regions. Wargaadhi's strategic location — a key supply and communications corridor — makes it a linchpin in counter-terrorism operations.

Al-Shabaab, affiliated with al-Qaeda, has waged a 15-year insurgency in Somalia. Despite losing ground, it continues to pose a persistent threat. Thursday’s events highlight both the danger the group still presents and the growing capability of Somali forces to push back.