Fighting between Somali forces and Al-Shabaab continues near Aboorey town

Clashes between Somali federal forces and Al-Shabaab militants continued on Wednesday near Aboorey, a small town in the Hiran region, following an operation launched earlier this week.

The fighting began on Tuesday after government troops, supported by local fighters, attacked Al-Shabaab militants who had entered the town. Although the military reportedly regained control of Aboorey on Tuesday, local media said the group launched a counterattack, with clashes continuing into Wednesday.

Among those killed was Major Asad Osman Afrah, a commander in the U.S.-trained Danab special forces, who was reportedly struck by sniper fire during the fighting.

Aboorey is strategically located and serves as a corridor for Al-Shabaab’s movements between the Hiran, Middle Shabelle, and Galmudug regions. Analysts say retaking and holding the town could significantly restrict the group’s mobility in central Somalia.

The situation remains fluid, though local media reports said government troops and allied militia forces are currently in control of the town.