Al Shabaab militants stormed an army base in Gumarre near Mokoqori town in Hiraan region following an attack started with a suicide explosion.
Monday’s attack led to fierce gunfights between Somali National Army troops, supported by local Macawisley fighters and the militant group Al Shabab.
Somali troops and Macawisley forces repelled the attack, inflicting heavy casualties upon the militants, according to the state-owned media.
Military officers claimed they remain in control of both Gumarre and Mokoqori, denying Al Shabaab’s claims of capturing those strategic locations in Hiraan.
Al Shabaab, however, claimed victory, stating that their fighters overran the army base and seized control of both towns.
The group released photos showing their militants standing at a monument in Mokoqori, appearing to confirm their physical presence in the town.
Al Shabab’s statement alleged they killed 47 soldiers and wounded 65 during the attack, but no independent verification has been provided.
Somali military has not issued any statements in response to Al Shabab’s claims.
Since March, Al Shabab has increased attacks on army positions across Hiraan and Middle Shabelle, reversing recent territorial gains by Somali government forces.
Analysts link the surge in attacks to stalled military operations, which allowed the group to regroup and reclaim some previously liberated territories.
Al Shabab also recently retook Adan Yabal in Middle Shabelle region, once a key base for government operations before falling back under militant control.
Despite airstrikes from Somali and international forces, Al Shabab continues to launch coordinated attacks, signaling a possible resurgence in the region.
