Adale (WDN)–The Somali National Army (SNA), backed by local residents, successfully repelled a major Al-Shabaab offensive in Wargadhi, Central Shabelle, early this morning, delivering a significant blow to the extremist group known locally as the Khawaarij.

The attack began with explosions, followed by intense gunfire, as Al-Shabaab militants attempted to overrun the strategic town. But their efforts were swiftly neutralized by the combined force of Somalia’s armed forces and vigilant civilians determined to defend their homes.

“We are now in Wargadhi. The Khawaarij tried to take the town, but our forces, together with the local population, stood strong,” Commander Intarfeer said. “We lit a fire they could not handle. They left defeated.” Commander Mohamed Ibrahim Intarfeer of the elite 18th Commando Unit “Gorgor” stated.

He firmly denied viral rumors that Al-Shabaab had taken control of the town, emphasizing that their fighters were repelled and suffered significant losses.

“To the Somali people: the propaganda spread by the enemy is false. They have not gained a foothold here—they were pushed back with force and shame,” he added.

The Ministry of Defense confirmed the successful defense of Wargadhi and stated that a full assessment is underway regarding the extent of Al-Shabaab’s casualties.

“The assessment of the enemy’s losses is being conducted by officers on the ground in Wargadhi. We will release verified information to the public soon,” the government said in its official communique.

Local civilians who fought alongside the army are now being praised as heroes.

One such resident, 60-year-old Ugaas Barre, who lives just two blocks from the battlefront, described the moment the attack began:

“It started before the morning prayer. We heard blasts, then bullets. But we didn’t run. My sons joined the army at the barricades. We knew this time, we had to fight back.”

Another local, 23-year-old Sahra Osman, helped treat the wounded at a makeshift clinic in a neighborhood mosque:

“We turned our mosque into a small clinic. Mothers were bringing food and water to the soldiers. We were united. It felt like the whole town was one family.”

Mohamed Abdi, a shopkeeper whose store was damaged in the crossfire, still managed to reopen his small kiosk by midday:

“We lost a wall, but we kept our town. We will fix the damage. What matters is, Al-Shabaab didn’t win here.”

While today’s triumph in Wargadhi is a bright moment for national security efforts, the situation in nearby Aadan Yabaal remains concerning. Al-Shabaab successfully captured the town last week, and it currently remains under their control. The fall of Aadan Yabaal represents a strategic setback, but government forces are actively regrouping to mount a counteroffensive.

The juxtaposition of Wargadhi’s successful defense and Aadan Yabaal’s recent capture illustrates the complex, evolving battlefield across Central Shabelle, where government forces are simultaneously making advances and responding to losses.

“This is a war of persistence,” said political analyst Bashir Warsame in Mogadishu. “The defense of Wargadhi shows what’s possible when communities and the military stand united, even as we must regroup and prepare to retake towns like Aadan Yabaal.”

The Ministry of Information commended the bravery shown in Wargadhi and urged Somalis to remain resilient.

“The people of Wargadhi have shown the entire nation that Al-Shabaab can be stopped,” said Minister Daud Aweis. “Their unity with our troops is a beacon of hope for all regions still suffering under the enemy’s control.”

Despite the challenges, today’s events affirm a growing national spirit—a refusal to surrender. Each victory, each successful defense, reinforces Somalia’s broader goal of reclaiming every inch of its territory and ending decades of instability.

With Wargadhi safe and secured for now, attention turns to Aadan Yabaal and other contested towns, as the Somali National Army continues its determined march to restore peace and sovereignty across the nation.

Somalia’s war is far from over—but today, in Wargadhi, the people won.

WardheerNews