Fierce Federal Forces Defeat Al-Shabaab in Galmudug and Hirshabelle, Forcing Militants to Flee to Northeastern State

In a notable victory, the Somali government vanquished Al-Shabaab in Galmudug and Hirshabelle, leading the militants to regroup in Northeastern State. Somalia’s Deputy Information Minister, Abdirahman Yusuf Al-Addaala, disclosed to VOA Somali radio that a federal government offensive thwarted planned attacks by Al-Shabaab on the people of Northeastern State, aiming at the key leaders of the militants. The federal government declared triumph over Al-Shabaab in fierce battles in Galmudug and Hirshabelle as the militants relocated to the mountainous terrain of eastern Northeastern State. Al-Addaala mentioned the collaborative effort between federal forces and Northeastern State’s regional government, revealing that the operation had been carefully orchestrated. “We followed their movements closely. After their defeat in the southern regions, some regrouped in Northeastern State. Our surveillance has been active,” explained Al-Addaala. The minister did not disclose whether Northeastern State officials were informed about the operation.