Overview

• Al Shabaab and Somali government forces are locked in fierce fighting over the Wargaadhi military base in the Middle Shabelle region.
• The militants claim to have captured the base and town, but Somali officials report partial recapture with the aid of air strikes.
• Somalia’s Information Ministry states over 40 militants were killed, while government forces lost 12 personnel in the conflict.
• Control of Wargaadhi is crucial for maintaining a key supply route between Mogadishu and Galmudug State, which al Shabaab aims to disrupt.
• The battle highlights challenges for Somali forces, including navigating militant-held areas and uncertainty over African Union mission funding.