MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Islamist militant group Al-Shabaab stormed and seized management of the strategic city of Masajid Ali Gadud in Somalia’s Center Shabelle area on Wednesday, marking a serious setback for presidency forces in an space as soon as reclaimed throughout President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s much-touted offensive in mid-2022.
The militants launched a pre-dawn assault, overrunning a number of Somali army bases after intense combating. Al-Shabaab claimed to have killed at the very least 11 troopers and captured 5 others, releasing pictures of the detained troops. The group has taken dozens of troopers prisoner in latest clashes throughout the Center and Decrease Shabelle areas.
Masajid Ali Gadud was the primary city wrested from Al-Shabaab’s grip throughout the federal government’s 2022 offensive, making its fall a symbolic blow. Native commissioner Salah Omar Hayow confirmed the city’s seize after heavy fight however offered no additional particulars.
In an extra escalation, militants additionally seized Gelgub, simply 25 kilometers north of Adale—the place President Mohamud has been stationed for weeks to bolster troop morale and reinforce defenses in government-held territories.
The dual losses underscore the persistent menace posed by Al-Shabaab, which continues to take advantage of army vulnerabilities regardless of makes an attempt by the federal government to reverse latest territorial features by the insurgents. The Somali authorities has but to concern an official assertion on the setbacks.
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