QAYCAD, Somalia – The Somali special forces carried out an operation targeting key Al-Shabaab bases in the central region of Mudug region, which has been the epicenter of a major ground offensive since mid-2022.
The Ministry of Defence said Al-Shabaab suffered huge losses during the multi-direction army assault in Qaycad town, which led to a heavy gunfight that lasted for several hours. Several militant hideouts were destroyed in the course of the operation.
The U.S.-trained Danab, and Gorgor elite soldiers, both part of the Somali National Army [SNA] along with local clan militia have jointly conducted the raid, according to the ministry, which didn’t provide further details on the combined forces’ losses.
“The Somali commandos from Danab and Gorgor brigades seized control of Qaycad after flushing Al-Shabaab militants out of the town,” added the defense ministry.
Al-Shabaab retook Qaycad from Somali troops last year after withdrawing it following the deadly Cowswayne base attack in August 2023, which led to many deaths of Turkish-trained Gorgor soldiers. Currently, the army regained control of the area and the officials vowed no retreat again.
For over a year, the war on Al-Shabaab remains stalled due to a lack of coordination and challenges in the political sector as the government is busy with the reforms of the future election in Somalia which is expected to become a one-person, one vote for the first time in over 50 years.
HORN LIFE
