Moqokori (KAAB TV) – Intense fighting has been reported in parts of the Moqokori district in Somalia’s Hiran region, where government forces and allied Ma’awisley militia are engaged in a prolonged battle with the extremist group Al-Shabaab. The confrontation, which has reportedly lasted for several hours, marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict in central Somalia.
According to local sources, the fighting is particularly fierce, with both sides deploying a variety of weaponry. While casualties are believed to have occurred, no official figures have been released as of yet, and the full extent of the damage remains unclear due to disrupted communication lines in the area.
This latest round of violence is believed to have been triggered by a suicide bombing earlier in the day, allegedly carried out by Al-Shabaab. The explosion targeted the Ma’awisley militia aligned with the Hawadle sub-clan, sparking immediate retaliatory clashes that quickly spread through parts of Moqokori district.
Efforts to obtain real-time updates have been hampered by a communication blackout, making it difficult to independently verify the current status of the fighting. However, sources on the ground indicate that heavy gunfire and explosions continued throughout the afternoon.
The renewed violence comes just a day after government forces and local militia successfully recaptured the nearby areas of Gumare and Eel Qooxle from Al-Shabaab control. The militants’ attempted counter-offensive suggests they are unwilling to relinquish strategic positions in the Hiran region without a fight.
So far, there has been no official statement from the Moqokori district administration or local security forces regarding casualties or damage from today’s clashes and suicide attack. Authorities are expected to address the situation and provide an update in the coming hours.
The situation remains fluid, and residents in the region have been urged to remain cautious as the fighting continues.