(09 June 2025) HIIRAAN (Halqabsi News) – Tensions are running high along the border of the Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle regions, where government forces and allied Macawisley fighters are preparing for a potential large-scale offensive by Al-Shabaab, according to local officials.
Moqokori District Commissioner Mohamed Abdi Ma’ow, speaking to Halqabsi News, confirmed that the militant group has been gathering a large number of its fighters in and around the Aadan Yabaal district, a known Al-Shabaab stronghold.
“Shabaab have gathered their forces from across Lower and Middle Shabelle in Aadan Yabaal,” Ma’ow stated. He added that government and local forces had secured the area, saying, “We’ve cut off their access routes, and they haven’t been able to penetrate Hiiraan.”
The commissioner accused Al-Shabaab of planning a major assault aimed at destroying the Hawaadle-led Macawisley resistance, which has maintained firm control of key frontier zones in Hiiraan.
“They want to eliminate us before they think of expanding elsewhere,” he warned, vowing that local forces would stand their ground. “We’re not offering them any safe passage — we will crush them.”
These developments follow a renewed wave of military action. On Saturday, Somali forces carried out a surprise attack on Al-Shabaab militants regrouping in the Ceelhareeri area, inflicting significant losses. The situation remains volatile, with residents expressing deep concern over the escalating hostilities.
Halqabsi News
