(12-09-25) MOGADISHU (HN) — Somali government forces, backed by local community fighters, repelled a large-scale al-Shabaab attack on El-Dheer town, Galgaduud region, early Friday morning.
The militants launched the assault from the Awsweyne direction, storming the town from two sides at dawn. They twice broke through defence lines held by local fighters and attempted to target a nearby military camp manned by Gorgor (Eagles) troops trained by Türkiye. The attack was repelled.
After regrouping, Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF) and local fighters counterattacked from camps positioned outside the town, forcing al-Shabaab militants to retreat to the outskirts. Heavy fighting continued through the day, with government troops later receiving air support.
According to the Ministry of Defence, more than 30 militants were killed, including senior field commanders, while several fighters were captured. Six Somali soldiers were martyred and 14 others wounded in the line of duty. Residents and officials reported multiple militant bodies abandoned inside and outside the town.
El-Dheer, located about 350km north of Mogadishu, is one of the last strategic towns under government control in central Somalia following the 2022–2023 offensive by government forces and local militias.
The Ministry of Defence praised the bravery of SNAF and local forces, stressing their sacrifice is vital in ensuring the total defeat of terrorist groups threatening Somalia’s peace and stability.
Halqabsi News
