Southwest State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed “Laftagareen” has praised regional troops for thwarting an Al-Shabaab assault on a military base in Maanya-Fuul. The President described the successful defense as a “morale booster” for security forces, coming just days after militants captured the strategic town of Aadan Yabaal in neighboring Middle Shabelle.
The attack underscores Al-Shabaab’s persistent threat despite ongoing Somali-led counterinsurgency operations backed by international partners. While government forces have reclaimed some territory in recent months, the group continues to launch bold offensives, testing the stability of regional defenses.
Authorities have not yet disclosed casualty figures from the Maanya-Fuul clash, but the repelled assault marks a temporary setback for the militants amid Somalia’s broader security challenges.