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Somali government forces, supported by local militias, successfully repelled a pre-dawn attack by Al-Shabaab militants on the village of Wargaadhi in the Middle Shabelle region. The assault, which occurred on April 24, 2025, was met with fierce resistance, resulting in heavy losses for the militant group and reaffirming the government’s control over the strategic location.
The attack began at dawn when Al-Shabaab fighters launched an offensive aimed at seizing Wargaadhi, a key forward base in the Somali National Army’s (SNA) broader campaign to dismantle the group’s strongholds in central Somalia. Military officials confirmed that the attackers were swiftly countered, with government forces inflicting significant casualties on the militants.
General Sahal Abdullahi Omar, commander of the SNA’s land forces, praised the troops for their resilience and tactical precision. “The national army and local units remain in control of Wargaadhi. Al-Shabaab was dealt a significant blow,” he stated. Lieutenant Colonel Mohamed Ibrahim Interfeer, commander of the 18th Battalion of Gorgor forces stationed in the village, dismissed claims by Al-Shabaab-affiliated media that the group had taken control of the area. “This was a brief and contained attempt by the Khawarij, which was quickly neutralized. False reports suggesting we lost the village are part of their propaganda,” Interfeer said.
The successful defense of Wargaadhi underscores the continued volatility of the Middle Shabelle region, where Al-Shabaab remains active despite ongoing offensives by the Somali federal government and its partners. The village serves as a critical forward operating base for government forces, enabling them to launch operations targeting Al-Shabaab across central Somalia.
Deputy Minister of Information Abdirahman Yusuf Omar Al-Adaala commended the troops for their efforts, emphasizing the importance of maintaining momentum in the fight against Al-Shabaab. “The bodies of the Al-Shabaab militants are scattered in Wargaadhi. God willing, there will be no room for Al-Shabaab in Somalia. Their plans are destined to fail,” he declared.
The attack on Wargaadhi comes just days after the fall of nearby Adan Yabaal to militants, highlighting the high stakes of the current military campaign. Somali forces, with support from local militias and international partners, have intensified operations in recent months to reclaim rural strongholds and restore stability.
Al-Shabaab, an al-Qaeda-affiliated group, has waged a deadly insurgency in Somalia for more than a decade, targeting government installations, civilians, and international peacekeepers in its bid to impose a strict version of Islamic law. Despite significant territorial losses, the group continues to launch sporadic counterattacks, underscoring the need for sustained efforts to dismantle its networks and prevent further advances.
The defense of Wargaadhi sends a clear message about the resilience and readiness of Somalia’s security forces. As the government continues its campaign to eliminate Al-Shabaab, the focus remains on securing liberated areas and addressing the root causes of extremism to ensure lasting peace and stability.