JOWHAR (Kaab TV) – Al-Shabaab has claimed responsibility for seizing weapons and military vehicles during attacks yesterday in areas of Hiiraan and the Middle Shabelle region.
The Al-Shabaab militants launched an unexpected attack on the Aboorey area in the Hiiraan region, where Macawisley militia members from the Hawadle clan were stationed.
Al-Shabaab stated that they killed several members of the Ma’awisley militia in the battle and seized military vehicles.
Ma’awisley militia officials confirmed their casualties but also reported killing some of the attackers.
In addition, Al-Shabaab carried out assaults on several areas in the Middle Shabelle region, with reports indicating that local civilians are fleeing the affected areas.
Photos circulated on social media show military and cargo vehicles, some of which were set on fire during the attacks.
On Tuesday, Al-Shabaab militants entered the El Ahmed and Al-Kowthar areas in the Middle Shabelle region, where they remain stationed as of now.
Civilians have started fleeing
There is rising fear in Aadan Yabaal, where both government forces and the Ma’awisley militia had been present.
A local source told Kaab TV that civilians in Aadan Yabaal have started fleeing, fearing a possible battle as Al-Shabaab forces have advanced into nearby areas.
Al-Shabaab had previously captured the Ruun Nirgood district in the Middle Shabelle region.
Meanwhile, Al-Shabaab militants took control of several key areas last week, including El Baraf, Ali Fooldheere, Iid-Iidka, and Miir Tuugo, where government forces have yet to regain control.
The Ministry of Defence in Somalia has not commented on Al-Shabaab’s activities or the areas they have seized.
The Hirshabeelle administration also remains silent, with President Ali Guudlaawe absent from the city of Jowhar.
In Jowhar, government forces have been conducting operations in the Hawadley area, but military officials have not yet commented on these actions.
The Ministry of Information has posted on social media that several Al-Shabaab militants were killed during these recent assaults.