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| Africa Horn |
| Tensions Rise in Central Somalia as Al-Shabaab Militants Advance |
| 2025-04-20 |
| [ShabelleMedia] Armed clashes are feared between Somali government forces and Al-Shabaab militants following reports of insurgents entering areas near the towns of Ceel Dheer and Masagawaa in the central Galgaduud region, local sources said Saturday. The presence of Al-Shabaab fighters — an al-Qaeda-affiliated group — near key settlements has heightened concerns of an imminent confrontation, as government troops mobilize to reinforce security. Military officials have reportedly deployed a large number of Somali National Army (SNA) troops to the two towns to secure the region and counter possible attacks by the group, which has intensified operations in recent weeks. Senior government officials and members of parliament recently visited both Ceel Dheer and Masagawaa to boost the morale of the troops and lend support to ongoing military operations aimed at reclaiming territory from Al-Shabaab across several regions. The escalation comes amid a surge in attacks by the group, which recently captured the strategic town of Aadan Yabaal in Middle Shabelle, as well as several areas in the Hiiraan region. Despite sustained military campaigns backed by international partners, Al-Shabaab continues to pose a significant threat to Somalia’s stability, frequently targeting military bases and government-held towns. Related: Galgaduud: 2025-03-18 Somali army with foreign forces strike Al-Shabaab headquarters, destroys bases Galgaduud: 2025-03-15 Somali Army Destroys Al-Shabaab Base in Central Somalia Amid Crackdown Galgaduud: 2025-02-16 Somali Army and Local Forces Conduct Operation, 11 Al-Shabaab Members Killed |
| Posted by:trailing wife |