BAL ‘AD (SD) – Various details are emerging about the casualties resulting from a heavy attack launched by Al-Shabaab early this morning on the Bal ‘ad district in the Middle Shabelle region, which was followed by direct combat.

The attack began around 5:00 AM, with Al-Shabaab militants targeting military outposts, leading to an intense battle.

Reports indicate that the group managed to infiltrate parts of the district, and it is claimed that they entered the Bal ‘ad base, releasing several prisoners held there. Shortly after, reinforcement troops arrived in the district, and the Al-Shabaab attackers were driven out. The district is now fully under the control of Somali government forces.

A brief statement from the government stated that the troops taught a lesson to the Al-Shabaab members who attacked Bal ‘ad this morning.

“The troops today delivered an unforgettable lesson to the Kharijite militants who launched a dawn attack on military outposts near the Bal ‘ad district in the Middle Shabelle region,” the press release said. The situation remains tense, with ongoing counter-movements reported in the Bal ‘ad area, which is currently in a critical state.

The Middle Shabelle region has recently been under increased pressure from the Al-Shabab, with the group carrying out several major attacks in the region over the past two weeks.