Al-Shabaab Attacks Key Somali Town, Sparks Heavy Clashes with Government Forces

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Al-Shabab militants launched a multi-pronged attack on the city of Beledweyne in Somalia’s central Hiran region late Tuesday night, sparking intense clashes with government forces.

The assault began with a barrage of mortar shells targeting the Bundaweyn neighborhood. This was immediately followed by a direct ground engagement between the militants and Somali National Army (SNA) troops stationed in the area.

Residents reported a heavy exchange of gunfire and explosives that lasted for a significant period, causing widespread panic throughout the night.
Military officials confirmed they repelled the attack, asserting that they inflicted heavy casualties on the group.

"We successfully defended our positions against the Khawaarij who attacked us; they dragged away their dead and wounded," said Ibrahim Deefow, a military officer at the scene, using a government-preferred term for the group. "While some of the mortars they fired hit residential houses and caused structural damage, there were no reported casualties among our ranks or the civilians."

The late-night raid marks a significant breach of the relative calm that Beledweyne has enjoyed in recent months. While Al-Shabab continues to carry out sporadic attacks across Somalia, the city’s residential neighborhoods had recently seen a decrease in direct urban combat.

Local authorities have since increased patrols in Bundaweyn as security forces remain on high alert for further provocations.

GAROWE ONLINE