Hawadley (KAAB TV) – Al-Shabaab militants have reportedly taken full control of the town of Hawadley, located in the Middle Shabelle region of Somalia. According to local sources, the armed group entered the town from multiple directions, causing Somali government forces stationed in the area to retreat.
Eyewitnesses speaking to local media described scenes of fear and confusion as heavily armed Al-Shabaab fighters moved through the town, asserting their presence and control. Residents reported hearing bursts of heavy gunfire as the militants consolidated their hold on the area.
The latest reports indicate that the presence of Al-Shabaab is being increasingly felt in Hawadley, with frequent attacks and displays of military strength that have left the local population in a state of constant fear. Many residents expressed concern over the apparent ease with which the group advanced and the lack of resistance from government troops.
This development marks a worrying escalation in Al-Shabaab’s activities in the Middle Shabelle region, where they have been intensifying their campaign of violence and territorial expansion in recent months. Locals are now bracing for possible reprisals or stricter militant control, as the town remains under the group’s authority.
The Somali government has yet to release an official statement regarding the withdrawal of its forces or plans for a counter-offensive.