Mogadishu (WDN) – Somali government forces, backed by local Macawisley militia fighters, launched a coordinated ambush against suspected Al-Shabaab militants in the Hiraan region, triggering a brief but intense firefight that officials say left several insurgents dead.

According to government sources, the operation was launched after intelligence services tracked a group of Al-Shabaab fighters moving from the village of Ceel-la Helay toward Nuur Fanax. Acting on the intelligence, Somali National Army troops and allied local fighters positioned themselves along the militants’ expected route before launching the attack.

The ambush reportedly caught the militants by surprise, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire between the two sides. Government officials claimed the operation was successful, stating that at least seven Al-Shabaab fighters were killed during the clash. However, the casualty figures have not been independently verified, and Al-Shabaab has not commented on the incident.

Military sources described the operation as the result of careful planning and coordination between the Somali National Army and Macawisley community fighters, who have become key partners in counterinsurgency operations across central Somalia.

A military officer speaking on behalf of the government said similar intelligence-driven operations would continue as part of efforts to weaken Al-Shabaab’s presence throughout Hiiraan. “We will continue conducting targeted operations until Al-Shabaab is eliminated from the areas where it still maintains a presence,” the officer said.

Despite the reported success, Al-Shabaab continues to control several locations in Hiraan, including the strategic area of Abooreey, where government forces have launched multiple offensives in recent months without permanently dislodging the group.

The latest operation highlights both the growing cooperation between government forces and local militias and the persistent challenge posed by Al-Shabaab, which continues to maintain footholds in parts of central Somalia despite sustained military pressure.

WardheerNews