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Major General Sahal Abdullahi Omar, the Commander of Somalia’s National Army Land Forces, visited El-Dheer on Sunday to meet soldiers and local fighters who had defended the district from an Al-Shabaab attack two days earlier. His visit came after intense fighting on Friday, when government forces and community militias joined together to repel heavily armed militants.
During his time in the district, Major General Sahal praised the courage and determination of both the Somali National Army (SNA) troops and the local fighters who stood by them. He highlighted their role in protecting civilians and ensuring that the militants suffered a major setback. He also made clear that Somalia’s security forces would continue to pursue counter-terrorism operations until Al-Shabaab was defeated across the country.
The battle in El-Dheer was described as one of the tougher recent clashes. According to District Commissioner Abdirahman Ahmed Omar, more than 70 Al-Shabaab members were killed in the hours-long confrontation. The fighting underscored the determination of government-aligned forces to prevent the extremist group from regaining territory or threatening key towns.
Despite the victory, the government did not come away unscathed. Somalia’s Ministry of Defence confirmed that six soldiers lost their lives in the battle, while 14 others were injured. The loss was a reminder of the sacrifices made by the country’s security forces in their ongoing efforts to bring stability to Somalia.
For residents of El-Dheer, the outcome of the battle brought a sense of relief, though the costs were felt deeply. The joint action between the Somali National Army and local fighters showed the importance of cooperation in the fight against Al-Shabaab, a group that has long sought to destabilize communities and disrupt governance in Somalia.
Major General Sahal’s visit served not only as a gesture of support but also as a message that the government remains committed to protecting its people. His words of encouragement and reassurance emphasized that the military and its partners will continue operations with determination until Somalia is fully secured.
This clash adds to a broader national effort where Somali forces, supported by local militias, have been pushing back against Al-Shabaab in several regions. While challenges remain, the events in El-Dheer highlight both the resilience of Somalia’s defenders and the heavy toll the conflict continues to take.