Hiiraan Operation Kills Scores of Al — Shabaab Fighters. Beledweyne, Somalia — Local clan militias backed by government troops have killed dozens of Al-Shabaab fighters during a two-day sweep across the Maxaas district of Somalia’s Hiiraan region, according to local reports. Official statements indicate the offensive began after elders alerted security forces to militant movements near farming villages along the Shabelle River.
Ground commanders said Macawisley fighters, armed largely with Kalashnikovs and technical vehicles, overran three insurgent checkpoints before dawn on Wednesday, forcing remnants to retreat toward the Galgaduud border. “The enemy suffered heavy losses and abandoned equipment,” one regional official confirmed, adding that planned bombings targeting a weekly livestock market were disrupted. Independent observers say at least 30 bodies were counted on the battlefield, though this could not be immediately verified.
The government stated in a communiqué that joint operations will continue “until hideouts are cleared” and urged residents to report strangers. Sources close to the matter said additional troops have been deployed to block escape routes through the Buur-Dhuubo valley, a known smuggling corridor. Further details are expected once ground units complete mop-up patrols.
Source: sonna.
