Somalia’s government said its forces repelled an al-Shabab attack Sunday in Middle Shabelle, after clashes erupted near Warsheikh district, officials said today.
Defense ministry said militants assaulted positions in Jabad Godane area but were pushed back by Somali forces during heavy fighting.
The ministry said government troops now control the area and are pursuing fleeing fighters during ongoing security operations aimed at preventing regrouping attempts.
In a statement, the ministry added that clearance and stabilization operations continue to secure civilians and stop al-Shabab from returning to contested villages nearby, authorities added.
Al-Shabab claimed it overran a base and inflicted heavy casualties, though those claims could not be verified independently by journalists or officials.
The fighting follows increased militant pressure around Warsheikh, where al-Shabab has repeatedly staged dawn attacks against government positions in recent weeks.
