Somali Forces Retake Key Town of Awdhegle in Push Against Al-Shabaab

The Somali National Army (SNA) recaptured the strategic town of Awdhegle following months of operations, officials said, in the latest victory that comes after months of setbacks in various frontlines.

According to officials, the military retook Awdhegle town on Saturday from the Al-shabaab fighters, completing months-long operations aimed at retaking three key bridges within the vicinity, where the militants were in total control.

The other two bridges — Barire and Sabid, and Anole — were previously recaptured by government forces. The three bridges are among five (Janaale and Qoryoley included) over the Shabelle River identified as key to the security of the capital, security experts said.

A few months ago, the Al-Shabaab militants recaptured Mahas, Adan Yabaal, and Moqokori towns in Somalia, frustrating the ongoing operations in central regions where the military had made serious progress in the fight against Al-Shabaab.

The setbacks attracted condemnation from the opposition, which accused President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of turning his focus on the 2026 elections as Al-Shabaab continues to make gains, reclaiming strategic caves and towns across the country.

On Saturday, the militants raided Godka Jilaow detention center, which is used for interrogations by the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), giving a room for some detainees to run away. The siege, which ended on Sunday, left seven militants dead.

The government further reported new airstrikes in the past 24 hours - conducted against al-Shabaab in Jilib, Mubarak, Ugunji, and Kunyo Barro, where al-Shabaab members, including its deputy commander of the Amniyat wing - Mohamed Osman Mohamed Tuutah - were killed.

Al-Shabaab militants are fighting to topple the fragile UN-backed federal government of Somalia, which has strong support from the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) and the US Africa Command.

GAROWE ONLINE