MOGADISHU, Somalia — The Somali government announced Monday that its forces have achieved significant victories in recent clashes in the Middle Shabelle region, following pre-dawn attacks launched by the militant group Al-Shabaab.
In a statement released by the Ministry of Information, the government claimed that Somali troops killed more than 130 Al-Shabaab militants during the fighting and seized weapons and military vehicles, though the exact number of seized items was not specified.
The attacks, which occurred in key areas in the region such as El-Ali, El-Foldheere, Al-Kowthar, and Daru-Nimca, began with car bomb explosions targeting Somali military bases.
Residents reported significant casualties as the group’s fighters attempted to regain control over areas previously taken by Somali forces.
Al-Shabaab has been waging an insurgency against the Somali government for over a decade, with recent military operations intensifying as the Somali military receives additional support from international partners.
The government’s victory is seen as a boost to ongoing efforts to dislodge the group from its strongholds in the region.
