MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Intense fighting broke out on Saturday near the central Somalia town of Moqokori, as Al-Shabaab militants resumed an offensive aimed at retaking the area nearly three years after it fell to government forces and allied militias.
A spokesman for Somalia’s Ministry of Defense stated during a press conference in Mogadishu that at least 10 militants were killed in the clashes. He added that government forces successfully repelled the attack, and the area remains under army control.
However, Al-Shabaab issued a counterclaim through its affiliated media, asserting that 15 government soldiers were killed and another 25 wounded in the fighting. The group has recently stepped up operations in the region, capturing several villages and towns near Moqokori in recent weeks and approaching the town from two directions.
Independent verification of the casualty figures remains difficult due to restricted access to the area.
Moqokori is a strategic town in the Hiran region, and its control is seen as key to the broader military campaign against Al-Shabaab in central Somalia.
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