Thursday 17,April 2025 {HMC} Somali government forces and allied local militia repelled an attempted Al-Shabaab attack in the Gasarta area between Baidoa and Deynuunay on Wednesday, killing at least ten militants, according to military officials.
“The Khawarij terrorists tried to carry out an attack, but our brave forces were prepared and defeated them decisively,” a Somali National Army (SNA) official said. “Their bodies remain at the scene as a clear message that such threats will not be tolerated.”
The ambush occurred in a strategic corridor linking Baidoa, the capital of the Southwest State, with the Deynuunay area, where Al-Shabaab has previously targeted military convoys and checkpoints. SNA forces reportedly responded with coordinated fire, preventing the insurgents from breaching their defensive perimeter.
Residents of Gasarta reported hearing intense gunfire during the engagement and said they were relieved the militants were pushed back before reaching populated areas.
No casualties were reported among Somali forces, and military officials say operations are ongoing to clear suspected Al-Shabaab hideouts in the vicinity.
The attack comes as Somalia continues a nationwide offensive against the al-Qaeda-linked militant group, which has waged a deadly insurgency against federal institutions for over 15 years.
Source Hiiraan online
