Al-Shabaab loses strongholds in central Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The Al-Shabaab group lost several strategic villages in central regions on Monday, military officials said, noting the progress made in securing several frontlines and districts from the militants, who are fighting to topple the government.

Sweeping operations conducted by the Somali National Army (SNA) with backing from Maawisley militia helped secure the villages, officials said, adding that the government troops will remain in the region to protect innocent civilians.

Reports from military sources indicate that the force took control of villages in the area and pushed away Al-Shabaab militants. The militants fled towards parts of the Harardhere district, where they have frequently attacked innocent civilians.

The operations took place in the areas of Barag Hurdaye, Gal Dhagaweyne, and Tawar Mooge villages in the Mudug region, reports indicate. This was the first major victory by the forces while working with the militia after the joint operations were momentarily halted.

Since June 2024, the teams have jointly recaptured several towns and villages in central Somalia, further reaffirming the successes on the battlefields. The joint operations were activated by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud who had declared total war against Al-Shabaab.

There is active repatriation of locals displaced by the militants, with the military also extending Amnesty to those willing to defect from the group. Al-Shabaab has lost several fighters in the process since the operations against them kicked off in 2022.

Elsewhere, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre inaugurated the 7th national economic policy forum in Mogadishu, focusing on Somalia’s economic development, investment opportunities, and post-HIPC strategies under the theme “Somalia’s development nexus: economy, governance, and social development.”

During the event, the PM assured investors that the country is safe for investments geared towards improving the local economy. "No Al-Shabaab in our sea; the world can come to invest," he told attendees.