Somali security forces faced a major security breach late Saturday night after militant group Al-Shabaab carried out a coordinated attack on military positions in Elasha Biyaha, a strategically located area just 15 kilometers southwest of Mogadishu.
The assault, which began with explosions and was followed by hours of heavy gunfire, targeted personnel from the Somali National Army (SNA) and the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA). Eyewitnesses described intense clashes involving both light and heavy weapons, leaving several casualties. The government has yet to release official figures on the number of dead or injured.
Elasha Biyaha has long been a volatile zone due to its location on the corridor between the capital and southern regions known for militant activity. Local residents recently expressed alarm over sightings of armed militants in the area, warning of potential attacks.
This latest strike is part of a rising wave of Al-Shabaab offensives across southern and central Somalia. Despite recent gains by Somali and African Union forces in regions like Galgaduud and Hiiraan, the group continues to mount complex operations near major urban centers, underscoring the persistent threat it poses.
Federal authorities have yet to issue a formal response, but the attack has reignited concerns over the fragile security situation surrounding Mogadishu and the resilience of insurgent networks in the region.