MOGADISHU, 18 January 2026 – Local militia fighters known as Macawiisley have launched a major offensive against Al-Shabaab militants in areas surrounding Nuur Dugle in Somalia’s Middle Shabelle region, according to local sources.
Residents described the operation as heavy and sustained, with large numbers of community fighters moving into rural areas believed to be hosting Al-Shabaab elements. Fighting broke out after the militia targeted militants who had reportedly entered the area in recent days.
Sources speaking to Radio Shabelle said several Al-Shabaab fighters were killed during the clashes, including militants traveling on motorcycles, a transport method frequently used by the group. The sources requested anonymity due to security concerns.
The operation was still ongoing on Sunday, residents said, with the stated objective of forcing Al-Shabaab out of areas it had temporarily infiltrated. Community leaders backing the offensive said local fighters were determined to prevent the group from regaining a foothold in the region.
There were also reports of air strikes carried out in support of the ground operation at some locations. The strikes were believed to be aimed at weakening the militants and limiting their ability to maneuver, though it was not immediately clear who conducted them. Somali government officials have not commented publicly.
Al-Shabaab, which is linked to Al-Qaeda, has been waging an insurgency against Somalia’s federal government for more than a decade. The group frequently targets civilians, security forces, and clan militias aligned with the authorities.
In recent years, Somali government forces, backed by local militias and international partners, have intensified operations against the group, particularly in central regions such as Middle Shabelle, which remains one of the key front lines in the fight against the militants.
