(30-06-23) MOGADISHU — Mawisley forces, supported by the Somali national army, retaken on Friday afternoon Daru-Nicma in the Middle Shabelle region, under Run-Nirgod district.
The recovery comes on the heels of an Al-Shabaab attack launched on the area in the early hours of Friday. Mawisley’s local forces, initially defending the region, had to retreat. Al-Shabaab occupied the area peacefully but left today upon learning of an imminent counterattack from the regrouped local forces.
Details about the disruption caused by Al-Shabaab during their brief occupation remain scanty. However, it has been confirmed that the insurgents destroyed a large mosque, a critical local force stronghold, during their initial attack.
Al-Shabaab also attempted to block the area’s water supply by rigging the local well with heavy explosives. The detonation, fortunately, was averted when the local army, supporting the national forces, launched a counterattack on the Al-Shabaab group.
Photographs circulated on social media today reveal the severe damage inflicted on Daru-nimca’s large mosque by Al-Shabaab’s detonation. The images depict a scene of devastation, underlying the grim reality of conflict in the region.
Residents, informed of the army’s retreat, vacated the area at midnight yesterday. It remains unclear what transpired with those who stayed behind in the area.
On the 17th of this month, Al-Shabaab kidnapped 30 individuals from Daru-Nicma and nearby villages, primarily women and children. It appears, however, that these captives have since been released. This followed actions by the local army who reportedly kidnapped close relatives, including children and women, of Al-Shabaab leaders.
