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Somali government forces successfully regained control of Bal’ad on Thursday after repelling a deadly attack by Al-Shabaab militants. The town, located in the Middle Shabelle region, serves as a critical link between Mogadishu and central Somalia and has frequently been a target of militant incursions.
The attack began with a series of coordinated roadside bomb explosions aimed at military positions on the town’s outskirts. Immediately after the blasts, Al-Shabaab fighters launched a full-scale assault, briefly seizing parts of the town. However, Somali forces, supported by reinforcements, quickly mounted a counterattack, engaging the militants in intense combat and forcing them to retreat.
Government officials described the battle as a significant victory, stating that Somali forces inflicted heavy casualties on the insurgents. “The Somali National Army delivered a decisive blow to the Kharijite terrorists who attacked Bal’ad before dawn,” the federal government said in a statement, using a term often used to refer to extremist groups.
Witnesses reported that dozens of militants were killed, with their bodies left scattered in the farmlands surrounding Bal’ad. Security officials are still assessing casualties among government forces and civilians, though no official figures have been released.
This latest assault on Bal’ad is part of a broader pattern of Al-Shabaab attacks in Middle Shabelle, as the extremist group continues its violent insurgency despite sustained military efforts to dismantle its strongholds. The group, which is affiliated with al-Qaeda, has been waging a brutal conflict in Somalia for over 15 years, aiming to overthrow the internationally recognized government and impose its own rule.
The Somali government has ramped up its military campaign against Al-Shabaab in recent years, with support from regional and international allies. The ongoing operations have led to the recapture of several key areas previously held by the militants. However, the group continues to pose a significant threat, frequently launching deadly attacks against military and civilian targets.
The successful defense and recapture of Bal’ad demonstrate the resilience of Somali forces in the face of continued militant aggression. While security remains a major challenge, government forces, alongside local militias and international partners, are intensifying efforts to weaken Al-Shabaab’s influence and restore stability to the region.
As the fight against Al-Shabaab continues, Somali authorities are calling for greater vigilance and cooperation from local communities to prevent future attacks. Security forces are expected to strengthen their presence in Bal’ad to deter further militant advances and ensure the safety of residents.