By Shire Abdi - Reporter
Somalia, 26 January 2026 - The Somali National Army initiated artillery shelling on the Jabad-Godane area in Middle Shabelle region around midnight on Sunday, targeting Al-Shabaab fighters stationed approximately 20 kilometers from the SNA base in Qorilow.
The shelling persisted throughout the morning and into midday Monday. At midday, Somali National Army forces launched a ground assault on the area, supported by Turkish ground forces and officers who have been stationed at the Qorilow base in recent days.
The three-hour ground battle was led by Somali Gorgor special forces alongside dozens of Turkish troops equipped with armored vehicles and advanced weaponry, according to local sources.
Dawan’s Defence and Security Editor Mohamed Ibrahim Fanah reviewed classified footage showing Gorgor forces deploying heavy artillery during the engagement—marking the first documented use of such weaponry by Somali government forces in combat against Al-Shabaab.
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By the afternoon, government forces had taken control of Jabad-Godane and surrounding areas. Al-Shabaab fighters subsequently retreated toward the town of Hawadley, a key militant stronghold in the region.
Casualties have been confirmed from both sides, though it remains too early to provide detailed figures.
Jabad-Godane, which has experienced several previous clashes, is located in proximity to the site of Turkey’s satellite launch facility currently under construction in Somalia. Turkish forces are seeking to establish a security perimeter around the installation to protect it from potential threats. Reports indicate Turkey plans to secure a substantial area, potentially extending hundreds of kilometers, surrounding the launch facility.
The engagement follows recent Turkish military cargo aircraft arrivals in Mogadishu, believed to be part of a troop deployment to support construction and security operations at the satellite launch site.
