Battle of Runirgod

In late 2022, the Somali Army began a series of campaigns against Al-Shabaab, a jihadist militant group that has led an insurgency in the country since the formation of a functioning Somali government in 2009. The offensives began as a result of newly elected Somali president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's crackdown on the group, and increasingly deadly attacks on civilian and military centers.[1] The main area of operations for these offensives was Hirshabelle and Middle Shabelle states, north of the capital Mogadishu.[1] Runirgod, also called Ruunnirgood, was a major al-Shabaab hub in Middle Shabelle state, having been controlled by the group since 2016.[2]

The battle for Runirgod, and its surrounding district, began on December 12, when Somali troops liberated the village of al-Kowthar, just north of Runirgod district.[3] From there, Somali forces and an allied militia, the Macawisley, penetrated southwards into Runirgod district, capturing the town of Daarunimoo.[4] By the morning of December 18, Somali forces had captured the hamlets of Harerigi Ali Ahmed, Lebi Ad, and El-Bad.[5] The following morning, clashes broke out again in Daarunimoo, as al-Shabaab fighters attempted to recapture the town. al-Shabaab also captured el-Bad later on December 18.[6] On December 19, al-Shabaab forces retreated to rural areas of Galgaduud region and the eastern parts of Runirgod district.[7]

Somali forces claimed on December 22 that they captured the town of Runirgod, the capital of Runirgod district, around 6am.[8] Army spokesman claimed they killed 150 al-Shabaab fighters in the operation, five of whom were foreign.[8] While al-Shabaab did not claim to have retreated, they did claim the deaths of four Somali soldiers in a bomb attack in the district.[8] Following the liberation of Runirgod, all major towns in Middle Shabelle state were under the control of the Somali Army.[9]

On December 24, Somali troops attacked El-Bad again, which was still under the control of al-Shabaab.[10] An unnamed Somali military official claimed Somali forces took casualties, although captured the town.[11]