ELDHER, Somalia – As a sign of escalation of violence, heavy fighting has been reported in the town of El-Dheer following an early morning attack by the militant group al-Shabaab on Saturday. The assault began at dawn, catching local and federal government forces by surprise.
Al-Shabaab, known for its extremist ideologies and violent tactics, claimed to have “overrun” government military camps in the area via a Telegram message. However, these claims have yet to be independently verified, leaving the true extent of the militant group’s success unclear.
The town of El-Dheer has been a hotspot of conflict, with control shifting hands multiple times over the past year. Government forces, supported by local fighters, initially captured the town from al-Shabaab in January 2023 during a period of intense military operations.
However, they were forced to retreat in August following the disastrous Awsweyne incident, only to return in December.
As of now, the number of casualties from the latest attack remains unknown. The situation is fluid, with both sides engaged in fierce combat. The outcome of this battle could have significant implications for the ongoing struggle against al-Shabaab in the region.
The international community is closely monitoring the situation, with many expressing concern over the escalating violence and its potential to further destabilize the region.
Calls for a peaceful resolution and increased support for the Somali government’s efforts to combat al-Shabaab have grown louder in recent days.
As the battle for El-Dheer continues, the world watches and waits, hoping for a swift end to the violence and a return to peace for the beleaguered town and its inhabitants.
