(15-09-23) MOGADISHU — In a decisive military operation on Friday, Somali government forces successfully regained control of El-Lahelay village in the Galgaduud region. This follows an afternoon attack by Al-Shabaab militants. Defence Minister Abdulqadir Mohamed Nur was confirmed to be in the area during the assault, according to government sources.
The reassertion of control over the village contradicts Al-Shabaab’s earlier claims of having overrun government positions and comes after nearly 10 days of government occupancy.
Communication in the region remains scarce due to a blackout, making detailed information about the conflict limited. Nonetheless, sources describe the afternoon fighting as intense.
The Ministry of Defence bolstered the government’s claim of control in a tweet, stating, “After a valiant stand in Eel-Lahelay, our SNA [Somali National Army] and local heroes remain unyielding and in control. Victory is ours, and it always will be insha’Allah!”
Reports suggest that the Somali armed forces supported ground operations with helicopters, particularly those involving the elite Danab unit, As of this afternoon, live conflict continues, marking the third time Al-Shabaab has attacked army positions only to be repelled.
Reinforcements from the SNA, originating from Dhusamareb, have reached the area, aiding the Gor Gor and Danab forces in routing Al-Shabaab militants.
While the government asserts its firm control over El-Lahelay, Al-Shabaab claims to have captured government bases, military equipment, and even taken soldiers prisoner. These claims remain unverified.
This recent military engagement is part of an ongoing offensive in Galmudug state, where at least three other areas—El-Lahelay, Hinlebi, and Las-Gacamey—have been reclaimed by government forces this week.
