Reports from Middle Shabelle region indicate that heavy fighting broke out this morning in the Wargaadhi area between government forces and Al Shabaab.
The attack, which began with explosions after morning prayers, was carried out by Al Shabaab fighters in the Wargaadhi area, a major command post in the fight against the group in the HirShabeele and Galmudug regions.
There are casualties on both sides, with each side claiming victory in the battle.
Somalia’s Deputy Minister of Information Abdirahman Sheikh Yusuf Al Adaala said that many bodies of Al Shabaab are lying in the Wargaadhi area and they resisted the attackers.
Al Shabaab claimed to have taken over the area and entered the military base where Danab, Gorgor and Macawisley forces were stationed.
The Wargaadhi area in Middle Shabelle, which was a key route for traffic between the coastal areas still under government control and Mogadishu, Al Shabaab’s capture of Wargaadhi means they are being isolated in the Nuurdugle and Adaan Laxey areas in Middle Shabelle.
The previous government lost Ceelbaraf, Masjid Ali Guduud, Aden Yabaal and other important districts.
