(26-08-23) DHUSAMAREB — Government forces and al-Shabaab militants engaged in intense clashes on Saturday morning in Cawsweyne, according to reliable sources. The dawn attack reportedly initiated with the militant group deploying multiple suicide car bombs, followed by a concerted infantry assault.
Al-Shabaab has claimed to have “overrun” a temporary government forces camp in the region. However, no independent agencies have verified this claim at the time of writing.
Somali state media reported that the Somali National Army (SNA) in conjunction with local forces, valiantly repelled the assault in the recently liberated Oswein area. They further reported that acting on prior intelligence, SNA units intercepted and destroyed vehicles laden with explosives.
The Ministry of Defence issued a robust statement earlier today, praising the valour of the SNA and local allies. The statement read: “This morning, our brave SNA & local heroes, successfully foiled Alshabab militia attack on the recently liberated Cawayswayne village. Acting on prior intelligence about the impending Khawarij assault, our forces confronted the attackers, neutralising their Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs).”
The strategic village of Cawsweyne was captured by government forces on Tuesday, followed by Elbur, the historic Alshabaab stronghold on Friday. Military analysts believe the troops were in the process of consolidating their camp in the region, with plans to advance towards their next target, Galhareri.
The nature of Saturday’s counter-attack suggests that after relinquishing Cawsweyne earlier in the week, al-Shabaab militants may have remained in nearby areas, plotting a retaliatory strike.
Halqabsi News
