MOGADISHU, Somalia – Local community defense forces known as Macawiisley have captured new territory from the militant group Al-Shabaab in the Galgaduud region of central Somalia, according to Somali military sources.
Reports from the region say that the allied community fighters, operating under the banner of “Xaq-u-dirir” (justice seekers), launched coordinated operations early Tuesday and took control of the villages of Cali Candhoole and Baraag Shiikh Cabdullaahi. The villages lie over 40 kilometers from Ceeldheer town, under the Galmudug State administration.
The Somali National Armed Forces’ media wing reported that the operation targeted a major Al-Shabaab command center located in the bushland of Cali Candhoole. The military described the assault as “well-planned” and confirmed that Al-Shabaab fighters were overpowered after over two hours of intense combat.
“The justice-seeking forces launched a strategic operation targeting Cali Candhoole, which served as a key militant command base in the remote countryside,” the statement read. “By the end of the operation, the forces had seized full control of the enemy’s positions in both targeted locations.”
In a similar offensive the day before, Macawiisley fighters ambushed Al-Shabaab militants in the Ciid-ciidka area of Middle Shabelle region, killing at least four fighters and recovering weapons. The forces also dismantled militant hideouts and outposts during that raid.
Operations are currently ongoing across Galgaduud, Middle Shabelle, and Hiiraan, as Somali government forces and allied local militias continue their push to reclaim areas that have remained under militant control or were recently retaken by insurgents.
Somalia remains in a critical phase of its counterinsurgency campaign, with the federal government stepping up mobilization efforts to counter Al-Shabaab’s expanding presence in HirShabelle and Galmudug states.
HORN LIFE
