MOGADISHU, Somalia — The Federal Government of Somalia on Friday praised the courage of local heroes in the Hiran region, who, alongside Somali National Army forces, successfully repelled coordinated attacks by al-Shabab militants in the areas of Muqliga Cali, Ceelhareeri, Hareeri Madoobe, and Garas-Magan, all within the Hiran region of the Hirshabelle State, a statement said.
The local fighters and national army troops, aware of the militants’ suicide attack plans, effectively countered the assault, decisively defeating the attacking militia, according to a government statement.
Local forces reported collecting the bodies of 25 al-Shabab fighters and capturing four others alive, three of whom sustained serious injuries. Authorities believe additional militant casualties were removed from the battlefield prior to the recovery efforts.
This victory marks the second significant defeat of al-Shabab in a short period, following a major operation in the Wargaadhi area of the Middle Shabelle region in Hirshabelle State, where national forces and local communities achieved notable success.
During the pursuit operation, local heroes and army troops seized a substantial amount of weapons from the militants.
The Hiran region’s local fighters serve as an example of the Somali people’s resilience and bravery in resisting al-Shabab’s attacks on national sovereignty and faith, the government said.
The Federal Government of Somalia, in collaboration with the Somali people and international partners, remains committed to eradicating al-Shabab from all areas of the Federal Republic of Somalia, the statement added.
