Reports from Middle Shabelle province say that heavy fighting broke out on Thursday in Wargaadhi settlement between Somali National Army (SNA) and Al-Shabab fighters.
The attack began with explosions after Al-Shabab militants launched a pre-dawn assault on military base housing Danab Commandos, Gorgor forces and Ma’awsiley forces stationed in Wargaadhi.
Reports say that fierce fighting ensued between Somali troops backed by local Ma’awisley forces and Al-Shabab militants.
Reports further indicate that are casualties including deaths and injuries but the number of casualties are not confirmed yet.
The fighting between the two sides is still underway.
Reports further reveal that Al-Shabab fighters are doing all they can to overrun the military bases in order to take full control of the settlement.
It is reported that Al-shabab fighters met strong resistance from the allied forces.
Both sides claim victories and Al-Shabab affiliated media broadcasted that its fighters moved into Wargaadhi and are conducting operations to bolster security.
The Somali Gov’t has said that its troops repulsed Al-shabab raid, and further added that many Al-Shabab corpses are scattered in Wargaadhi.
This was disclosed by the deputy minister of information of the Somali Federal Gov’t Abdirahman Al-Adaala.
He said: “Al-shabab corpses are scattered in Wargaadhi. God willing, there is no future for Khawaarij in this place”
Tension is running high, and there is a movement in Middle Shabelle province.
Both sides are getting reinforcements which is intensifying the ongoing fight there.
Al-Shabab recently seized Adan Yabaal district, and is expanding its presence in parts of Shabelle provinces.
Al-Shabab carry out pre-dawn raid targeting military bases housing Somali troops and allied forces.
The Somali Federal Gov’t has not learnt a lesson from Al-Shabab assaults on military barracks.
However, intensified operations against Al-shabab militants are underway in Middle and Lower Shabelle provinces.
Al-Shabab concentrated on areas under the control of government troops.
