Saturday, September 13, 2025 (HOL) - The death toll from yesterday's heavy fighting in Ceeldheer district in Galgaduud region continues to rise.
A clash between Al-Shabaab militants and Somali federal forces backed by local defense units continued. The battle, which lasted for several hours, resulted in heavy casualties for both sides.
Its forces defeated the militants’ attack, achieving a significant victory in the defense of Ceeldheer, the Federal Government of Somalia reported.
Cabdiraxmaan Axmed Cumar, Ceeldheer District Commissioner, told the media today that other bodies of Al-Shabaab fighters were recovered following the fighting, bringing the death toll among the militants to 71.
Federal and local forces are still engaged in clearance operations around Ceeldheer in order to preserve security, he said. “The National Army and local forces were extremely fearless. Al-Shabaab attempted to capture Ceeldheer but they were quickly repelled,” said Commissioner Cabdiraxmaan.
Galmudug State's president as well as senior Federal Government officials have lauded the security forces for their determination and resilience in defending Ceeldheer from the Al-Shabaab attack. T
his defense shows continuing cooperation between federal troops and community defense forces in the fight against extremist threats all across Galmudug.
Somali federal and local forces launched a counterattack against the Al-Shabaab attack in Ceeldheer, responsible for killing 71 militants and winning a decisive victory in Galgaduud.