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Somali security forces and allied clan militias Thursday, February 20, successfully repelled a large-scale attack by al Shabaab militants on Thursday, killing more than 130 insurgents in fierce battles across the Middle Shabelle region. The clashes is one of the deadliest confrontations in recent months as Somalia continues its fight against the al Qaeda-linked extremist group.
According to Somali officials, the militants launched a pre-dawn assault on four villages, using suicide car bombs and heavy gunfire to overwhelm local defenses. The insurgents briefly captured two of the villages before government troops and local fighters counterattacked, forcing them to retreat.
Residents described scenes of intense combat, with explosions shaking the ground as the militants attacked from multiple directions. “They came with mortars, car bombs, and gunfire, trying to overrun us,” said Nur Ibrahim, a local elder in Ali Ahmed village. “I saw at least 20 of their dead, and we also lost seven of our own.”
The Somali government praised the swift response of its forces and local militias. “The national army and the brave local fighters eliminated over 130 of the enemy during this operation,” the information ministry said in a statement.
For nearly two decades, al Shabaab has waged a deadly insurgency against Somalia’s government, seeking to impose its strict interpretation of Islamic law. The group has carried out suicide bombings, assassinations, and mass attacks across the country, including in the capital, Mogadishu.
Despite losing control of major urban centers to Somali forces and African Union troops, al Shabaab remains a persistent threat. The group frequently targets military installations, government buildings, and civilian areas, aiming to destabilize the country and undermine efforts at rebuilding governance.
The battle in Middle Shabelle highlights the increasing role of local clan militias in Somalia’s fight against al Shabaab. In many regions, these community-based fighters have joined forces with government troops to defend their homes against insurgent attacks. The Somali government has encouraged this collaboration, providing training and weapons to bolster local resistance.
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