(16 June 2025) MOGADISHU (Halqabsi News) – A Somali national army commander has denied widespread social media rumours that Macawisley fighters had surrendered to al-Shabaab insurgents in Hawaadley, Middle Shabelle region.
The commander, Siraji Sheikh Ishaq, on Monday, dismissed the claims as “fabrications designed to mislead the public and demoralise our communities,” accusing al-Shabaab of orchestrating a disinformation campaign.
He clarified that while al-Shabaab militants do control the main town of Hawaadley, government forces and Macawisley militias continue to operate from their established positions nearby.
The commander noted that the insurgents are now reportedly threatening civilians in the surrounding villages.
Hawaadley fell to the militant group recently after African Union peacekeepers were forced to withdraw from the area due to severe flooding. The Somali government has vowed to launch a new offensive to retake the contested district as part of a wider regional military campaign.
Halqabsi News
