GALKAYO, Somalia – An airstrike was reported in the central region of Mudug, targeting Al-Shabaab positions as the Somali army stepped up a ground offensive against the group.
The morning aerial bombardment took place in Shabellow area, south of Mudug province where Al-Shabaab has a training and command base, according to the military officials.
The SNA officers in the region say the operation inflicted losses upon Al-Shabaab although they did not elaborate on the figures of the casualties. The situation was said to be tense.
Prior to today’s airstrike, there was intense fighting between Somali troops and Al-Shabaab in the area which caused casualties on both sides. The SNA tries to capture the small town.
In August 2022, Mohamud launched a “total war” against al-Shabaab. In the first phase, Somali forces concentrated on the central regions of Hirshabelle and Galmudug, supporting local clans that were rebelling against al-Shabaab.
The first stage was the most effective offensive since 2016, expelling al-Shabaab from areas it had controlled for over a decade, and in March 2023 the government launched phase two to attack al-Shabaab in the south.
However, concerns remain about Somalia’s ability to hold the areas it has cleared and take more territory given the planned drawdown of foreign troops and the fact that southern clans have not shown the same propensity to turn on al-Shabaab.
