CEELDHEER – Somali National Army (SNA) troops, backed by local militia forces, repelled an early morning attack by Al-Shabaab militants on the town of Ceeldheer in the central Galgaduud region, the defense ministry said Friday.
The coordinated response resulted in the deaths of more than 30 Al-Shabaab fighters, with several others captured, including senior figures known for orchestrating attacks against civilians, the Ministry of Defence confirmed.
“Troops responded swiftly and effectively to the attempted assault, inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy,” the ministry said in a statement. “Among the captured are key operatives involved in planning and executing previous atrocities.”
During the clashes, six Somali soldiers were killed and 14 others sustained minor injuries, officials added.
Security forces are currently conducting search and clearance operations in the surrounding areas to track down fleeing militants.
The Ministry of Defence praised the bravery and sacrifice of the Somali troops and local allied forces, reaffirming the government’s commitment to eliminating the Al-Qaeda-linked group.
Al-Shabaab, which has waged an insurgency against the Somali government for over 15 years, frequently targets military positions and civilian areas in its bid to topple the internationally backed government in Mogadishu.
