Somali government forces have captured Geel-gub and several strategic positions in Middle Shabelle as the military intensifies operations to push Al-Shabaab out of key areas.
MOGADISHU, Somalia (Somali Report) — Somali government forces have taken control of the Geel-gub area and several strategic positions in the Middle Shabelle region during an offensive against Al-Shabaab, military officials said.
The operation was carried out by units from the Somali National Army’s Gorgor commando forces and Special Forces, according to the military.
The participating units included the 18th Battalion of the Gorgor commandos, the 12th Battalion of the Special Forces and the 3rd Battalion of the Somali National Army.
The forces said they had seized positions that were previously controlled by Al-Shabaab, which had maintained a presence in the area for an extended period.
The operation is part of a broader military campaign by Somali government forces in parts of Middle Shabelle aimed at pushing Al-Shabaab away from areas where it maintains positions and expanding territory under government control.
Military officials said the offensive also seeks to restore security and government administration in areas affected by the group’s presence, while creating conditions for civilians to return to a more stable environment and gain access to government services.
The Middle Shabelle region is strategically important because of its proximity to Mogadishu and its location along key routes linking central and southern Somalia.
Al-Shabaab, which has waged an insurgency against Somalia’s federal government for more than a decade, maintains the ability to operate in several rural areas despite repeated military offensives.
The group has carried out attacks against government forces, civilians and military positions, while using rural strongholds to organise operations and launch attacks in urban centres.
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The Somali National Army has increased operations against the group in recent months, particularly in central and southern Somalia, where Al-Shabaab continues to maintain bases and logistical networks.
The latest offensive comes as the government seeks to consolidate control over territory recovered from the militants and strengthen local security structures.
Officials have said that military gains need to be followed by the restoration of civilian administration and basic services to prevent Al-Shabaab from regaining influence in areas abandoned by the group.
The government has also called on local communities to cooperate with security forces and support efforts to restore state authority.
Somalia continues to receive military and logistical support from international partners as its forces conduct operations against Al-Shabaab. The African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia, known as AUSSOM, also supports the country’s security efforts as Somali forces increasingly assume responsibility for national security.
The capture of Geel-gub and nearby positions could provide government forces with additional ground from which to conduct further operations in Middle Shabelle, although the extent to which the gains can be consolidated remains dependent on continued security operations and the establishment of local administration.
No independent figures on casualties from the operation were immediately available, and the military did not provide details on losses suffered by either side.
The Somali government has repeatedly said its long-term objective is to dismantle Al-Shabaab’s territorial networks and restore government control across areas where the group has maintained a presence.
About the Author
Ahmed Omar is a senior journalist for Somali Report, based in Mogadishu. He has two decades of experience reporting on Somalia for international and local media. He covers politics, security, governance, business, trade, economic developments and regional affairs.
Somalia’s intelligence agency says it dismantled Al-Shabaab networks in Mogadishu
