Al-Shabaab clashes with Somali forces over strategic military base
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Al-Shabaab fighters clash with Somali forces in a bid to seize a key military base in central Somalia, threatening vital routes between Mogadishu and Galmudug.
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Frame grab from video shoot Wednesday, March 12, 2025, showing the aftermath of a car bomb that exploded Tuesday at a hotel in the central Somali city of Beledweyne (AP)
Al-Shabaab militants launched an attack on Somali government forces and allied troops on Thursday, aiming to capture a strategically important army base in the central town of Warghadi, Middle Shabelle region.
The base houses government soldiers, special forces, and clan fighters, and its fall could sever a crucial route linking the capital, Mogadishu, to the Galmudug state.
According to reports, control over Warghadi would allow al-Shabaab to disrupt military logistics and civilian movement along one of Somalia’s main highways.
Conflicting claims over control of Warghadi
Al-Shabaab, in a statement cited by Reuters, claimed to have seized both the military base and the town of Warghadi. However, the Somali government denied this, asserting that their forces had repelled the attack.
In an official statement, the Somali Ministry of Information stated, "Government forces killed more than 40 militants after they attempted to storm the base on Thursday morning."
Despite these claims, a military source told Reuters that al-Shabaab eventually took control of the town after fierce fighting, which left around 20 of the group’s fighters dead.
The source explained that al-Shabaab received reinforcements, tipping the balance in their favor and enabling them to occupy Warghadi. The Somali army reportedly faced difficulties sending in reinforcements due to reliance on routes controlled by al-Shabaab.
Al-Shabaab intensifies assaults
Two soldiers indicated that, supported by airstrikes, government forces managed to reclaim parts of the town by mid-morning. However, the overall situation remains tense and fluid, with ongoing military operations in the area.
This latest battle follows an attack by al-Shabaab last week on the town of Adan Yabal, approximately 245 kilometers north of Mogadishu. The Somali army had been using Adan Yabal as a forward base for launching operations against the group.
The surge in attacks underscores the persistent threat posed by al-Shabaab in central and southern Somalia, as the militant group seeks to regain territory and undermine the federal government’s authority.
Turkey deploys in Somalia
Turkish ground troops arrived in Mogadishu, marking Turkey’s first military deployment to the East African nation. The contingent, comprising 500 soldiers, landed on Tuesday aboard two military aircraft.
The troops are set to be deployed in the Middle Shabelle and Lower Shabelle regions, areas that have witnessed renewed attacks by the al-Shabab militant group in recent weeks.
According to reports, al-Shabab has seized large swathes of territory in both regions and continues to push towards Mogadishu. The group's territorial gains have raised concerns about the security of the capital and the broader stability of the country.
Sources cited by the Ethiopian Observer indicated that the total number of Turkish troops expected to participate in this military operation could reach approximately 5,000 soldiers.
Foreign military presence in Somalia
Turkey’s deployment adds to the substantial foreign military presence in Somalia, where over 20,000 troops, mainly from Ethiopia, Djibouti, Uganda, and Kenya, have been stationed for nearly 17 years under various international mandates aimed at combating terrorism and supporting Somali security forces.
