Somali government forces successfully repelled a pre-dawn assault by Al-Shabaab militants on a key military installation in the Wargaadhi area of the Middle Shabelle region, officials confirmed on Thursday.
The assault, which began shortly after the morning Fajr prayers, involved a wave of explosions followed by a ground attack targeting the base — a vital stronghold along a major supply corridor. The base is home to elite Somali forces, including the U.S.-trained Danab special forces, Gorgor units, and locally mobilized Ma’awisley fighters.
Deputy Information Minister Abdirahman Sheikh Yusuf Al-Adala hailed the defense as a success, stating that the attackers were pushed back with significant losses.
“Our troops held their ground. The bodies of the Khawarij [a government term for Al-Shabaab] are still scattered on the battlefield,” he said during a media briefing.
While the Somali government has not released casualty figures, both sides reportedly suffered losses. Al-Shabaab later claimed to have temporarily penetrated the base, though independent verification of the group’s statement remains unavailable.
Strategically located, Wargaadhi is seen as a vital logistical hub linking coastal districts with inland territories in Middle Shabelle. Military analysts note that holding Wargaadhi is key to disrupting Al-Shabaab operations in surrounding hotspots such as Nuur Dugle and Adaan Laxey.
The assault comes amid heightened military operations across central Somalia, particularly in Hirshabelle and Galmudug states. Despite recent gains, federal forces continue to face stiff resistance and struggle to recapture towns like Ceel Baraf, Masjid Ali Guduud, and Adan Yabaal, which were previously seized by militants.
The incident highlights the enduring threat posed by Al-Shabaab, a militant group affiliated with al-Qaida and designated as a terrorist organization by Somalia, the United States, the African Union, and the United Nations.