Customize Consent Preferences

We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions. You will find detailed information about all cookies under each consent category below.

The cookies that are categorized as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site. ... 

Always Active

Necessary cookies are required to enable the basic features of this site, such as providing secure log-in or adjusting your consent preferences. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable data.

No cookies to display.

Functional cookies help perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collecting feedback, and other third-party features.

No cookies to display.

Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics such as the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.

No cookies to display.

Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.

No cookies to display.

Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with customized advertisements based on the pages you visited previously and to analyze the effectiveness of the ad campaigns.

No cookies to display.

SO | EN

Al-Shabaab Captures Balcad, 30km from Somali Capital, During Ethiopian PM’s Visit

|

MOGADISHU (Kaab TV) – The militant group Al-Shabaab launched a daring attack on Balcad, a town just 30 kilometers north of Mogadishu, on Thursday.

The group stormed a Somali military base, forcing government forces and local militias to retreat before briefly taking control of the town.

The Somali government has since claimed it recaptured Balcad, stating that its forces repelled the attack and inflicted heavy losses on the militants.

However, Al-Shabaab asserts that it killed 23 government soldiers and seized military vehicles left behind by retreating troops.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing Al-Shabaab fighters patrolling the streets of Balcad, waving their black banners, while groups of young men followed them.

Fearing reprisals, many residents fled the town.

Al-Shabaab’s ongoing resurgence

The attack is part of Al-Shabaab’s ongoing resurgence in the Middle Shabelle and Hiiraan regions, where the group has escalated its operations in recent weeks.

“The militants attacked Balcad, took over some parts, and later withdrew. Unfortunately, they remain dangerously close—just three kilometers away. The problem is that there has never been a serious effort to eliminate them,” MP Hassan Muudey said, expressing concern over the group’s growing influence.

The timing of the attack appeared strategic, coinciding with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali’s visit to Mogadishu.

Al-Shabaab has recently intensified its offensives, capturing several rural towns in Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle.

Last week, the group launched a surprise attack on the Aboorey area in Hiiraan, where Macawisley militia fighters from the Hawadle clan were stationed.

In addition, Al-Shabaab militants have seized several areas in Middle Shabelle, including El Ahmed and Al-Kowthar, forcing civilians to flee. Many of these towns were previously controlled by Somali forces and local clan militias. However, internal clan disputes have weakened their unity, leading to divisions within the army.

Related Articles

Live Now

Follow us on Social Media

Trending

News