The Somali National Army’s 27th Division has reportedly retaken the strategic area of Hees in the Hiiraan region following clashes linked to the activities of the Al-Shabaab militant group.
Military officers and local residents said government forces regained control of Hees on Friday afternoon after Al-Shabaab fighters entered the area, prompting a military response.
The operation forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen security in parts of Hiiraan affected by militant activity.
Hees is considered strategically important because of its location along the road connecting Matabaan and Beledweyne districts. The route supports the movement of residents, commercial vehicles and goods between communities in the region.
The reported recapture comes amid broader security operations by government forces seeking to prevent Al-Shabaab from establishing positions in strategically important areas and threatening key transport routes.
According to local sources, the security situation in Hees changed after Al-Shabaab fighters entered the area.
Government troops subsequently launched operations to restore control, with the 27th Division reportedly retaking the location following clashes and further military movements.
However, details about casualties, the number of troops involved and losses suffered by either side have not been officially disclosed.
It also remains unclear whether security has been fully restored or whether government forces continue to face resistance in surrounding areas.
The strategic importance of Hees lies partly in its position along the Matabaan–Beledweyne road. Any disruption to this route could affect civilian travel, trade, the delivery of goods and access to essential services for communities in nearby areas.
There is no independently verified information confirming whether the road was completely closed during the latest clashes or the extent to which movement was disrupted.
The Somali National Army’s 27th Division continues to conduct operations against Al-Shabaab in parts of Hiiraan. The region has experienced repeated military operations and clashes involving government troops, local forces fighting alongside them and the militant group.
Such operations generally focus on improving security, protecting important roads and settlements, and preventing Al-Shabaab from re-establishing positions from which it could organise attacks.
Further details about operations in other parts of Hiiraan, their duration and the results achieved have not yet been officially announced.
Residents of Hees and neighbouring communities are closely monitoring developments because renewed fighting could affect daily life and movement along the region’s main routes.
Clashes near major roads can cause travellers to delay journeys and commercial transport to face interruptions.
There is also a need to protect civilians living near conflict areas and those using roads connecting the region’s districts.
So far, insufficient information is available to establish whether the fighting in Hees caused civilian casualties, injuries, displacement or damage to local property.
Although the reported recapture could help improve security along the Matabaan–Beledweyne corridor, the situation will depend on conditions on the ground, the continued presence of government forces and developments in the coming days.
The security of the road and the progress of further operations in Hiiraan remain important issues to monitor.