MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Intense clashes erupted early on Saturday morning in the town of Masagaway, located in central Somalia’s Galgadud region, following more than a year of stagnant military operations against insurgents in the area.
The confrontation began when a vehicle laden with explosives was driven into the positions of the Somali National Army (SNA) and allied clan militias, triggering heavy exchanges of fire between the opposing forces.
The Somali federal government swiftly responded, asserting that its forces had successfully repelled the assault. In an official statement, the government said, “The Somali National Army and defense forces stationed in Masagaway, Galgaduud region, have thwarted a surprise attack launched by the Khawarijites [Al-Shabaab], delivering a crushing blow to the enemy.”
However, Al-Shabaab militants claimed a different outcome, asserting that they had seized control of Masagawa, killed nine soldiers, wounded eleven others, and captured military vehicles and weapon caches.
Due to the remote location of the fighting and a subsequent telecommunications blackout, independent verification of either side’s claims remains impossible. The cause of the communications disruption remains unclear.
