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The Somali National Army (SNA) clashed with Al-Shabaab militants in a fierce battle near Hudur district in the Bakool region, marking another significant confrontation in the ongoing fight against the extremist group. The skirmish, which occurred on March 26, 2025, took place in the Abagbeeday area, approximately 20 kilometers east of Hudur, and resulted in heavy casualties for the militants, according to Somali military officials.
The SNA’s 9th Brigade Command led the operation, targeting Al-Shabaab fighters who had recently shifted their focus to the South West State following defeats in the Middle Shabelle region. Colonel Younis Adan Hassan, commander of the 9th Brigade, confirmed that the army inflicted significant losses on the militants and seized weapons and military equipment during the operation. However, the exact number of casualties on the Al-Shabaab side has not been disclosed.
Residents in the area reported hearing heavy gunfire and shelling as the two sides exchanged fire. The fighting, which lasted several hours, forced some local families to flee their homes in search of safety. While no civilian casualties have been reported, the incident has heightened tensions in the region, where Al-Shabaab continues to pose a significant threat to security and stability.
The Somali government has intensified its military campaign against Al-Shabaab in recent months, with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud personally visiting frontlines to boost troop morale and oversee operations. The government’s strategy focuses on reclaiming territory from the militants, disrupting their logistics and recruitment networks, and restoring governance in liberated areas. The operation near Hudur is part of this broader effort to weaken Al-Shabaab’s influence and secure rural regions.
Al-Shabaab, which has been waging an insurgency in Somalia for over a decade, has faced increasing pressure from Somali forces and their international allies. The group has been responsible for numerous attacks targeting civilians, government officials, and security forces, making it one of the most persistent threats to peace in Somalia and the broader Horn of Africa.
The Bakool region, where Hudur is located, has been a hotspot for Al-Shabaab activity due to its remote terrain and limited government presence. The militants have used the area as a base for launching attacks and regrouping after defeats in other parts of the country. The recent influx of Al-Shabaab fighters into Bakool follows their losses in Middle Shabelle, where government-led offensives have pushed them out of key strongholds.
The Somali government has called for continued international support in its fight against Al-Shabaab, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in addressing the root causes of extremism. Efforts to strengthen local governance, improve infrastructure, and provide economic opportunities are seen as critical to preventing the resurgence of militant groups and fostering long-term stability.
As the SNA continues its operations in Bakool and other regions, the focus remains on dismantling Al-Shabaab’s infrastructure and ensuring the safety of civilians. The recent clash near Hudur serves as a reminder of the challenges Somalia faces in its quest for peace and security. While progress has been made, the road ahead remains fraught with difficulties, requiring sustained efforts from both Somali forces and their international partners.