(17-09-23) MOGADISHU — The Somali National Army, with local forces, on Sunday, took full control of strategic areas in the Mudug region, capturing Sirgo and Qodqod and killing at least 30 Al-Shabaab militants, according to Minister of Information Daud Aweys. This surge of military activity comes as part of an intensified government-led operation aimed at eradicating Al-Shabaab strongholds in south and central Somalia.
Last week, government troops successfully seized Xinlabi and foiled an Al-Shabaab suicide car bomb attack. The capture of Ba’adweyne, Qay’ad, and Shabellow over the weekend indicates an accelerated pace in the government’s efforts. On Saturday, local and national forces successfully repelled an Al-Shabaab attack on Qodqod before advancing further south.
In a statement, the Ministry of Defence stated, “The National Army, alongside Galmudug dervishes and local forces, have successfully reclaimed Bacaadweyn village in the Mudug region, the last Khawarij stronghold in Mudug. The enemy has fled, and security operations are ongoing.”
Although Al-Shabaab is reported to be retreating from Camaara, southeast of Ba’adweyne, the situation remains precarious. The Mudug region has been a hotbed of volatility, with territories frequently changing hands. Al-Shabaab militants have largely vacated the recently captured areas without offering significant resistance, suggesting a more complex battle lies ahead for the Somali troops and their allies.
Progress on other fronts seems to have temporarily stalled. An Al-Shabaab assault on El-Lahelay last Friday resulted in multiple casualties among government troops, putting a halt to the Dhusamareb-Guriel offensive. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, stationed in Dhusamareb for a second consecutive month, is attempting to keep the anti-Al-Shabaab momentum going.
The Somali National Army and its allied forces continue to put pressure on Al-Shabaab, but the group’s entrenched positions in various regions indicate that the struggle is far from over.
