Somali local forces say they killed several Al-Shabaab fighters in Middle Shabelle

Local militia forces in Somalia’s Middle Shabelle region said they killed several Al-Shabaab fighters in an operation conducted on Monday night.

The operation took place in Ciid-Ciid, an area under Mahaday district, and targeted members of the Al-Qaeda-linked group Al-Shabaab, reportedly stationed there.

Osman Beerey, the Macawiisley commander in Mahaday, told state media that the operation was planned in advance and led by local forces. “We neutralised several militants and recovered a cache of weapons and military equipment,” Beerey said.

He added that the bodies of four Al-Shabaab fighters were transported to the village of Cali Fooldheere, and that local forces remained in control of the area.

The Somali government has backed local forces in their operations against the group as part of wider efforts to dismantle Al-Shabaab’s network in central and southern Somalia.

Despite recent military operations, the group continues to carry out attacks across the country, targeting security forces and civilians.