| Battle of Runirgod | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part of Somali Civil War (2009–present) | |||||||
| |||||||
| Belligerents | |||||||
 al-Shabaab | |||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| 4+ (per al-Shabaab) | 150 killed (per Somali Army) | ||||||
The battle of Runirgod took place between December 12 and December 22, 2022, with Somali forces launching an offensive against al-Shabaab in the Runirgod District of Middle Shabelle, the group's last stronghold in the state.
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]
Hiran is an administrative region (gobol) in central Somalia and part of the Hirshabelle State.
Yubbe is a town in the Sanaag, Puntland of Somalia. There is a Puntland military base.
Hadaftimo is a historic town in the eastern Sanaag region. It is home to several archaeological sites and ancient buildings. There is a Puntland military base.
Abudwak is a town located in central Somalia. It is the administrative seat of Abudwak district located in north Galgaduud province.Known for it’s remote location near the Ethiopian border, the town is most well know for it’s long history of Pastoralism
Bo'ame is an ancient town in the eastern Sool region. Khaatumo has effective control there since June 2023. It is the capital of Bo'ame district which includes the small towns of Karin-gorfood, Fardhidin, Dan-Gudban, Caleeli, Buura-wadal and Garaca Dacare and Biriqodayaga.
Buraan, also known as Hiil Buraan or Hiil Borraan, is a town in the eastern Sanaag region of maakhir state. It is effectively controlled by maakhir state.
Bulo Marer is a town in the southwestern Lower Shebelle region of Somalia. It was a base of Al-Shabaab, and was the site of an ill-fated 2013 military operation during which French commandos attempted to free a French hostage that was being held by the insurgent group. The town was taken by Somali government forces assisted by AMISOM troops after a battle on August 30, 2014. It was the site of the 2018 African Union base attack in Bulo Marer.
Yagori is a town in the northernSool Region of SSC KHAATUMO/Somalia.
Dhahar District is an administrative district in the Sanaag region.
Hudun is a historical town in the eastern Sool region of Somaliland, and the seat of the Hudun District. Somaliland has effectively controlled there since around 2013, but Puntland also has a territorial claim.
Widhwidh, also known as Widh Widh, is a town located in the Buuhoodle district of Togdheer, Somaliland.
Guriel is the second largest city in the central Galguduud region of Somalia located in Galmudug state. The city serves as the capital of the Guriel District. The City of Guriel is inhabited by the Cayr especially: Ayaanle Cayr, Sabuux ,Habaraji,Yabadhaale Sabuux ,Reer caalin ,Babaanshe cayr,.
Lawyacado is a town in the Awdal region of Somaliland. It is situated on the border with Djibouti.
Haysimo is a region of Somaliland that has existed since 2014. The constituent districts are Taleh, Sarmaanyo, Halin, Carroolay, and Godaalo.
Adhi'adeye or Ade Adeeye is a town in the Sool region of Somalia currently under the control of Khatumo State forces. It is around 30 miles northwest of Las Anod, the regional capital of Sool.
Guumays (Guumeys) is a village in the Sool region currently under the control of Khatumo State forces.
Division 43, Somali National Army is a division of the Somali National Army. Focused on the southern part of the country, it is headquartered in Kismayo and covers the state of Jubaland.
Balli Ad is a town in Buhoodle District of Togdheer region in Somalia.
Tuulo Samakaab or Tuula Samakaab is a village in the Sool Region, currently under the control of Khatumo State forces.
Ceelbaraf (Elbaraf) is a town and district in the Middle Shabelle, Somalia. It is a transportation hub at the junction of roads and had been effectively controlled by the Islamic militant group Al-Shabaab since 2009 and by the African Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM) since 2016.
