Monday May 19, 2025
Mogadishu (HOL) – The Somali National Army (SNA), with the support of local defence fighters from Hiiraan, has successfully repelled a series of Al-Shabaab attacks along the Hiiraan–Middle Shabelle border, killing more than 70 militants in a 48-hour military operation, according to government sources.
The joint offensive marks a significant blow to the Al-Qaeda-linked extremist group, which has been attempting to expand its foothold in central Somalia. The operation also led to the seizure of a large cache of weapons, disrupting the group’s operational capacity in the region.
The Federal Government of Somalia praised the army and resilience of the national forces and local communities, especially those in Hiiraan, for their critical role in resisting extremist threats and safeguarding national stability.
This military success comes just days after the assassination of Colonel Abdirahmaan Hujaale, a respected battalion commander in Hiran, and weeks after President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud survived an Al-Shabaab assassination attempt.
The government reiterated its unwavering commitment to eradicating Al-Shabaab and pledged to continue offensive operations in partnership with Somali citizens and international allies working to restore peace and security across the country.