(13 Mar 2024) MOGADISHU (Halqabsi News) – Local Macawiisley militias conducted a large-scale assault on an Al-Shabaab stronghold in the Biya-Cadle village near Ceel-lahelay, Galgaduud region, inflicting significant militant casualties, according to government officials.
The attack, launched early Thursday morning, targeted an Al-Shabaab base used to plan strikes against civilians in Ceelbuur district. A government statement hailed the operation as a success, claiming, “Local resistance forces destroyed Al-Shabaab stronghold where they plotted attacks on locals.”
While exact casualty figures remain unverified, government sources reported “heavy losses” among militants. No official details were provided about Macawiisley casualties. Al-Shabaab has not commented on the incident.
The assault underscores escalating violence in central Somalia, where government troops, Macawiisley fighters, and Galmudug’s Darvishes have intensified operations to reclaim territory from Al-Shabaab. The Galgaduud and Hiiraan regions, critical supply and recruitment zones for militants, have become focal points in Somalia’s counterterrorism campaign.
Somalia’s federal government has prioritized galvanizing local militias like the Macawiisley to weaken Al-Shabaab’s grip on rural areas. However, experts warn that sustaining gains requires addressing governance gaps in liberated zones.
Halqabsi News
