In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike targeting al Shabaab on Sept. 12, 2025. The airstrike occurred in the vicinity of Ceel Dheer, approximately 288 km northeast of Mogadishu. AFRICOM, alongside the Federal Government of Somalia and Somali Armed Forces, continues to take action to degrade al Shabaab's ability to threaten the U.S. Homeland, our forces, and our citizens abroad. Specific details about units and assets will not be released to ensure continued operations security.

Facebook Twitter (X) Instagram Somali Magazine - People's Magazine Galmudug regional leader Ahmed Abdi Kariye has praised the Somali National Army (SNA) and local militia forces after they successfully repelled a major Al-Shabaab attack in El-Dheer district of Galguduud region on Friday morning. In a statement after the fighting, Kariye commended the bravery of Somali forces and the people of El-Dheer, saying they had dealt a strong blow to the militants. He described the community’s resistance as a powerful message to the extremist group that its days of terrorizing Somali citizens are nearing an end. “The strength of the country and the people of El-Dheer—you have taught an unforgettable lesson this morning to the terrorists who attacked you. You have sent a message of courage that shows the days of terrorists hiding inside our country to harm our honorable people are running out,” Kariye declared. The Somali Defence Ministry confirmed that more than 30 Al-Shabaab fighters were killed when government forces, backed by community militias, fought off the militants’ dawn assault. Officials said the battle was the heaviest in Galguduud this week. According to the ministry, six Somali soldiers lost their lives in the clashes while 14 others were wounded. Several Al-Shabaab commanders known for organizing attacks against civilians were also captured during the fighting. Residents of El-Dheer reported that the militants suffered heavy casualties, with bodies of fighters left scattered outside the town after the battle. Witnesses said the scale of the losses highlighted the determination of Somali forces and the local population to resist the group’s attempts to destabilize the region. Somalia’s Defence Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi applauded the efforts of the joint forces, calling their defense of El-Dheer a display of courage and unity. He noted that Al-Shabaab had been unable to retrieve its dead and wounded fighters, which further demonstrated the extent of their defeat. Al-Shabaab, however, tried to counter the government’s announcement by claiming on its online channels that it had captured El-Dheer and killed several government soldiers. These claims could not be independently verified. Local officials immediately dismissed the statement as propaganda. District Commissioner Abdirahman Ahmed Omar called the militants’ message “a fabricated lie meant to mislead the public and create fear.” Friday’s attack was part of ongoing clashes in central Somalia, where government troops and local fighters have been pushing back against Al-Shabaab’s presence. In recent months, the Somali government has emphasized the importance of mobilizing local communities alongside national forces to secure towns and villages. This strategy has proved effective in areas like El-Dheer, where residents joined hands with the military to resist militant advances. For many in the region, the successful defense of El-Dheer carried symbolic weight, showing that local communities are no longer willing to be intimidated or controlled by Al-Shabaab. Leaders at both the regional and national levels have stressed that these victories are a sign of progress in Somalia’s fight against terrorism. The clashes also underline the human cost of the conflict, with soldiers and civilians continuing to risk their lives in the struggle to secure stability. While the battle inflicted heavy losses on the militants, the deaths of six soldiers served as a reminder of the sacrifices being made by Somalia’s security forces and their partners on the ground. Authorities say the government remains committed to defeating Al-Shabaab and will continue to strengthen coordination between the Somali National Army, regional administrations, and local communities. With each successful defense, officials argue, Al-Shabaab loses both fighters and credibility, narrowing the group’s ability to threaten Somali citizens. The situation in El-Dheer reflects a broader national effort to reclaim territory and restore peace. For the people of Galguduud, Friday’s battle was more than just a military victory—it was proof of resilience, unity, and the determination to build a safer future.

Mogadishu, (SONNA) — The Somali National Army, in cooperation with local defense forces, achieved a decisive victory on Friday against Al-Shabaab militants on the outskirts of Ceeldheer in Galgaduud region. More than 60 fighters were killed, including two senior commanders, Dadullah and Sabir, while over 50 others were wounded. The army also foiled a car bomb attack before it reached its target, underscoring its effectiveness in safeguarding civilians and newly liberated areas. Federal parliamentarians extended congratulations and gratitude to the armed forces, praising the resilience and sacrifices of soldiers in the fight against terrorism. MP Aisha Koos Mohamud said, “Mogadishu and its surroundings are secure thanks to the efforts of our army and local defense forces. We must provide both material and moral support to our heroes on the frontlines.” She also offered condolences to the families of fallen soldiers and wished a swift recovery to the wounded. MP Amina Omar noted, “The remnants of the insurgents who rejected the presidential amnesty are now meeting their end,” urging citizens to stand in solidarity with the army in the liberation struggle. MP Abdirizak Adam Hassel praised the forces, stating that the militants had been taught “a valuable lesson through this great victory,” while extending condolences to the martyrs and prayers for the injured. MP Yasin Abdullahi Mohamed “Yasin Farey” described the battle as both a victory and retribution for soldiers who previously fell in combat. He also commended the assistance provided to the wounded by women and civil society, highlighting national unity in confronting terrorism. Minister of Defence Ahmed Moallim Fiqi confirmed the defeat of the militants in Ceeldheer, announcing the deaths of commanders Dadullah and Sabir, along with the injury of more than 50 fighters. He stressed that the operation demonstrated the army’s commitment to protecting civilians and reinforcing security in liberated areas.

Somali Forces Repel Major Al-Shabaab Assault, Killing Over 60 Militants Posted On 13-09-2025, 12:36PM MOGADISHU, Somalia - The Somali National Army (SNA) repulsed a major Al-Shabaab attack on Friday, leaving at least 60 militants dead and over 50 critically injured, in one of the most dramatic counterattacks within the country. The pre-dawn attack on Friday at El-Dheer District comes at a time the country is involved in various operations against Al-Shabaab, with a similar crackdown waged in Puntland state, where regional forces are fighting ISIS terrorists. Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, Somalia’s Defence Minister, hailed the soldiers for their remarkable dedication to defending the country, adding that the success against the group in El-Dheer marks a significant step towards eliminating the group. The enemy’s death toll has surpassed 60, with over 50 others wounded in the failed assault,” he said, adding that several militants were captured alive, reports SONNA. Among those killed were two senior al-Shabaab leaders, identified as Daadullah and Sabir, according to an official statement. Minister Fiqi said the militants were forced to retreat, leaving many of their dead behind, state media added. For the better part of Friday, the Somali National Army collected the bodies of Al-Shabaab militants around the town of Ceeldheer in the Galgaduud region, following heavy clashes. The terrorists attempted a surprise attack on the town but were met with a strong response from government forces. The SNA and allied local forces have continued operations up to 20 kilometers outside the district to pursue fleeing militants. The US Africa Command is working closely with the Somali National Army and other international partners in pursuit of stability in Somalia. GAROWE ONLINE

El-Dheer, Galguduud – Somali government forces, backed by local fighters, successfully repelled a major Al-Shabaab attack on El-Dheer district in Galguduud region on Friday, forcing the militants to withdraw after hours of fierce fighting. The clash, described by residents as one of the most intense in recent months, highlighted both the determination of community defense units and the importance of coordinated military operations in central Somalia. According to officials, the assault began in the early morning when heavily armed Al-Shabaab fighters stormed the town in a bid to overrun security positions. Government troops, supported by local clan militias, mounted a strong defense, holding key points until reinforcements and air support arrived to push the insurgents back. The militant group claimed to have seized the district and inflicted heavy casualties, but government officials dismissed these assertions as propaganda. Residents and military sources confirmed that El-Dheer remains firmly under government control, with several Al-Shabaab fighters killed during the counter-offensive. El-Dheer lies in southeastern Galguduud, a region where Somali forces, with support from local communities, have recently intensified operations aimed at weakening Al-Shabaab’s rural strongholds. Friday’s repulsion marks a significant morale boost for both the army and residents, reinforcing confidence in the ongoing national campaign to reclaim territories still under militant influence.

#Somali National Army and Allied Forces Repel Major al-Shabaab Attack, 60 Killed, 50 Wounded The Somali National Army (#SNA), supported by local forces, repelled a major al-Shabaab assault in El-Dheer district, killing more than 60 militants and wounding over 50 others, officials confirmed. Somalia’s Minister of Defense, Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, said the attack took place before dawn and resulted in heavy losses for al-Shabaab. “The enemy’s death toll has surpassed 60, with over 50 others wounded in the failed assault,” he said, adding that several militants were captured alive, reports SONNA. Among those killed were two senior al-Shabaab leaders, identified as Daadullah and Sabir, according to an official statement. Minister Fiqi said the militants were forced to retreat, leaving many of their dead behind. The SNA and allied local forces have continued operations up to 20 kilometers outside the district to pursue fleeing militants. The effort is being supported by U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), which is conducting targeted airstrikes on retreating fighters.

This morning, the bodies of Al-Shabaab militants who carried out yesterday’s ambush attack on Ceeldheer district in Galgaduud region are being collected. The Somali National Army is conducting extensive operations around the city to ensure security and to clear the city of any remaining threats from yesterday’s attack. In addition, government forces, with the support of the local population, are conducting searches and military operations this morning to track down Al-Shabaab members who survived the battle, who are said to have fled to rural areas. The Somali government said that the hunt for the attackers is still ongoing, and will not end until all remaining threats in Galgaduud region are eliminated. On the other hand, some of the soldiers injured in yesterday’s battle were taken to Mogadishu this morning, and are being treated at the Somali National Army Hospital in the capital, where their health conditions are being closely monitored.

Saaka waxa socda uruurinta meydadkii maleeshiyaadkii Al-shabaab ee shalay weerarka gaadmada ah ku qaaday degmada Ceeldheer ee gobolka Galgaduud. Ciidamada Xoogga Dalka ayaa daafaha magaalada ka wada howlgallo ballaaran oo lagu xaqiijinayo nabadgelyada iyo in magaalada laga sifeeyo khatar kasta oo ka hartay weerarkii shalay.Sidoo kale, ciidamada dowladda oo garab ka helaya dadka deegaanka ayaa saaka sameynaya baaritaanno iyo dhaqaaq ciidan oo lagu raadraacayo xubnihii Al-Shabaab ee ka badbaaday dagaalka, kuwaas oo la sheegay in dhabbaha miyiga u carareen. Dowladda Soomaaliya ayaa sheegtay in weli uu socdo baacsiga lagu hayo kooxihii weerarka soo qaaday, isla markaana aysan dhamaan doonin ilaa laga ciribtiro dhamaan khataraha ku harsan gobolka Galgaduud.Dhanka kale, qaar ka mid ah askartii ku dhaawacantay dagaalkii shalay ayaa saaka loo qaaday magaalada Muqdisho, iyadoo lagu dabiibayo Isbitaalka Xoogga Dalka ee caasimadda, halkaas oo xaaladooda caafimaad si dhow loola socdo.