Battle of Runirgod

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]