Monday June 23, 2025
Beledweyne (HOL) — Somali National Armed Forces (SNA),
supported by local militias known as Macawisley, killed at least 20 al-Shabab
militants during a military operation Sunday in the Hirshabelle State of
central Somalia, according to military officials.
The joint offensive targeted militant positions in the
Mabaah and Gayacad areas of the Hiiraan region, long considered a stronghold of
the al-Qaida-linked group.
Government sources said operations are ongoing as troops
continue to pursue fleeing fighters and work to fully dismantle al-Shabab’s
presence in the area.
In a statement, the Federal Government of Somalia reaffirmed
its determination to protect citizens, uphold national unity, and eliminate the
threat posed by al-Shabab, which continues to launch deadly attacks against
civilians and government forces.
“This latest success is part of the broader effort to eliminate Al-Shabaab from rural strongholds,” the ministry said in its official statement. “The Somali National Army, together with community heroes, dealt a heavy blow to the Khawarij terrorists in Hiiraan.”
Hiiraan has been a flashpoint in Somalia’s campaign to recapture territory from Al-Shabaab. Local Ma’awisley militias, often made up of clan fighters, have played a significant role in supporting government offensives in the region, particularly since early 2023.
The recent operation follows a string of similar engagements earlier this month in Hiiraan, where government-backed forces reported heavy casualties among the militants. The military has intensified its efforts ahead of planned stabilization programs intended to restore governance in newly liberated areas.
The militant group has waged a violent insurgency in Somalia
for over a decade, aiming to overthrow the internationally backed government
and impose its own strict interpretation of Islamic law.