Intense clashes erupted in central Somalia as al-Shabab militants launched an attack on military bases in the Mudug region.
Witnesses reported hearing heavy gunfire and explosions early on Wednesday. The assault began with a suicide bombing targeting government special forces. Galmudug Security Minister Mohamed Abdi Aden stated that ongoing battles are taking place in Aad village, where the military bases are situated.
The Somali National News Agency (Sonna) claimed that, with local assistance, the army successfully repelled the attack, causing significant casualties to the terrorists.
However, al-Shabab countered, asserting they seized five military bases and inflicted heavy casualties on government forces. The Somali federal forces have been engaged in a major offensive against the al-Qaeda-linked group since August 2022.
