Government, local militia capture new settlements from Al-Shabaab in Galgaduud

Somali government forces, in coordination with allied local militia, captured new settlements on Wednesday in the central Galgaduud region following intense fighting that lasted for hours, according to local sources.

The offensive targeted Cali Candhoole and Baraag Sheikh Cabdullaahi, two remote settlements located more than 40 kilometres from Ceeldheer district. Both locations were previously under the control of Al-Shabaab fighters, the sources said.

The Somali National Army (SNA) media outlet described the operation as “intense,” stating that Al-Shabaab militants were overpowered after more than two hours of combat.

“The offensive was a planned assault specifically targeting the area of Cali Candhoole, which served as a command base in the remote bushlands,” read a statement from the military. “After more than two hours of fighting, the local resistance forces fully captured all the Khawarij outposts struck this morning,” it added, using the government’s term for Al-Shabaab.

The latest operation follows a similar offensive a day earlier by the local militia fighters in the Ciid-ciidka area of Middle Shabelle, where the government said at least four Al-Shabaab members were killed and their weapons seized.

Government and allied militia forces remain engaged in military operations across Middle Shabelle, Hiiraan, and Galgaduud. These efforts aim to prevent further Al-Shabaab advances following a renewed wave of militant activity in recent months across central Somalia.