Facebook Twitter Instagram Somali Magazine - People's Magazine
Somali National Army (SNA) forces, supported by local militias, have successfully recaptured the Geelgub area in Middle Shabelle following a fierce battle with Al-Shabaab militants. The operation, conducted on April 9, 2025, marks a significant victory in Somalia’s ongoing campaign to reclaim territories from the insurgent group and restore stability across the region.
Geelgub, located within the administration of Adale district, had been under Al-Shabaab control for several weeks. The militant group had fortified its presence in the area, using it as a base to launch attacks and disrupt government operations. The SNA, backed by Ma’awisley clan militias, launched a coordinated assault early Tuesday morning, targeting key positions held by the militants.
According to Deputy Information Minister Abdirahman Yusuf Omar Al-Cadaala, the operation was part of a broader offensive aimed at liberating territories in Middle Shabelle. “For the fifth consecutive morning, our national heroes and local fighters attacked the Khawarij who had gathered in Hirshabelle. Geelgub has now been cleared, and the militants have been defeated,” Al-Cadaala stated. He added that clearing operations are ongoing in the outskirts of Geelgub to dismantle remaining militant positions and prevent re-infiltration.
The battle for Geelgub was intense, with both sides engaging in heavy combat. Somali forces, supported by airstrikes targeting Al-Shabaab bases, inflicted significant casualties on the militants. Commanders of the SNA reported that the operation successfully dismantled Al-Shabaab’s defensive structures and forced the group to retreat. State-run media confirmed that government troops conducted follow-up operations in the area to secure the settlement and its environs.
The recapture of Geelgub is a critical milestone in Somalia’s fight against Al-Shabaab, an al-Qaeda-affiliated terrorist group that has plagued the country for years. The victory is expected to ease pressure on nearby areas, including Masajid Ali Guduud, where Somali forces are working to protect the security of Adale district. The government’s intensified military campaign in Middle Shabelle reflects its commitment to reclaiming rural strongholds and weakening Al-Shabaab’s operational capabilities.
Local militias played a pivotal role in the operation, highlighting the importance of community engagement in Somalia’s counterterrorism efforts. The Ma’awisley fighters, who have been instrumental in supporting government forces, demonstrated their resilience and determination to defend their communities from militant threats. Their collaboration with the SNA underscores the growing unity among Somali stakeholders in the fight against terrorism.
Despite the victory, challenges remain. Al-Shabaab continues to launch attacks in liberated areas, aiming to regain control and disrupt government operations. Analysts warn that the group’s ability to adapt and regroup underscores the need for sustained efforts to dismantle its infrastructure and address the root causes of extremism.
Humanitarian organizations have expressed concern about the impact of ongoing military operations on civilians in conflict-affected areas. Displacement, food insecurity, and limited access to healthcare remain pressing issues for communities caught in the crossfire. Aid agencies have called for increased support to address these challenges and ensure the safety and well-being of affected populations.
As Somalia intensifies its efforts to combat Al-Shabaab, the focus remains on achieving lasting peace and stability. The recapture of Geelgub serves as a reminder of the progress being made, but also of the work that lies ahead in building a secure and prosperous future for the nation.