Galayr Forces Target Al-Shabaab Strongholds in Night Raid Near Ceel Lahelay
GALGADUUD, SOMALIA – In a targeted overnight operation, elite units of the Galayr forces, the special paramilitary wing of the Galmudug regional state, launched a coordinated assault on Al-Shabaab-held positions in the vicinity of Ceel Lahelay, eastern Galgaduud, according to military officials.
The pre-dawn raid, which took place in areas surrounding the strategic location of Ceel Lahelay, was aimed at dismantling active militant bases and disrupting the group's operational capacity in the region. Commanders on the ground reported that their forces engaged and overran several defensive positions held by heavily armed insurgents.
Senior officers leading the operation confirmed to media that the assault resulted in significant casualties among the militant ranks. "We can confirm that at least seven Al-Shabaab militants were neutralized in the initial attack," a commanding officer stated, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of ongoing operations. He added that forces are currently pursuing other fighters who fled the scene under cover of darkness.
The Galayr forces further reported successfully clearing and seizing key terrain that the group had been using as temporary strongholds and weapons storage points, effectively disrupting their foothold in the immediate area.
The timing of the operation, conducted under the veil of night, has presented challenges for a comprehensive battlefield assessment. Officials acknowledged that a full and formal accounting of the enemy's casualties is still pending.
"Given that the engagement occurred overnight, a precise and final battle damage assessment is still underway," a military spokesperson explained. "However, we anticipate the final number of neutralized militants to be higher than the initial count, as our forces continue to secure the area."
The raid near Ceel Lahelay is part of a broader, sustained offensive by Somali regional forces, often in conjunction with the Somali National Army and international partners, to apply relentless pressure on Al-Shabaab strongholds in central Somalia.
Authorities have indicated that various security operations remain active in the Ceel Lahelay area as forces work to fully pacify the region and prevent the militants from regrouping. Military leadership has pledged to keep the local population informed, promising a detailed and official briefing upon the conclusion of the current operational phase.
"The safety and awareness of the public are paramount. We will provide a comprehensive update as soon as our sweep of the area is complete," the spokesperson concluded.
