Somali Army Repels Al-Shabaab Attack, Kills 130 in Middle Shabelle region

MOGADISHU, Somalia - A pre-dawn attack launched by the Al-Shabaab militants was successfully repelled by the Somali National Army (SNA) on Thursday, officials said, following intensive fighting between the two groups in central regions of the country.

The militants were forced to retreat after making entry into several villages within Middle Shabelle, amid an ongoing crackdown against the group, which is struggling to topple the fragile UN-backed federal government of Somalia.

A statement by the Ministry of Information confirmed that the militants faced off with the military within the newly liberated El-Ali, Daaru Nicma, Ali Fooldheere, and Al Kawthar villages, inflicting losses of 130 militants.

The attack comes as Somali forces intensify military operations against Al-Shabaab in central and southern regions, with the backing of African Union troops and international allies. The forces have been targeting central and southern regions.

This comes amid criticism from stakeholders in the northern state of Puntland, where regional forces are also engaging ISIS militants. The regional troops are yet to get any substantial support from the federal government.

Both Al-Shabaab and ISIS militants have been battling to control the country but the huge military presence has made it almost impossible for them to penetrate. Al-Shabaab controls most parts of the southern and central regions of the country.

GAROWE ONLINE