According to a statement from NISA, the planned raid was executed in the Biyo Madobe area, under Jicibow, where security forces eliminated seven members of the extremist group. The operation also destroyed a truck carrying ammunition.

“The army, in cooperation with international partners, conducted a pre-planned operation today in the village of Biyo Madobe, under the Jicibow area of the Hiiraan region, killing seven members of the Khawarij and destroying a truck filled with ammunition packed in sacks by the group,” the agency said.

NISA added that the raid is part of its ongoing campaign targeting key Al-Shabaab strongholds throughout the region.

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The town’s commissioner, Osman Hussein Guure, confirmed the development, stating that government-aligned forces vacated the area earlier in the day.

“We have withdrawn from the town and are now stationed a short distance away,” Chairman Guure told reporters, adding that the retreat was part of a strategic maneuver and that the situation may shift again soon.

Tardo is the second town in Hiiraan to fall into Al-Shabaab’s hands in recent weeks.

On July 6, the militant group captured Moqokori — another strategic location previously under Ma’awiisley control — following a deadly attack that began with bomb blasts.

The back-to-back advances by Al-Shabaab in Hiiraan have sparked growing concern among local communities, who fear further instability as the group intensifies its operations in the region.

The post Al-Shabaab Captures Tardo Town in Central Somalia After Local Forces Withdraw appeared first on Kaab TV.

The town, which had been liberated from the al-Qaida-linked group in September 2022 during a government-backed uprising led by Hawadle clan fighters, fell back into militant hands after a coordinated raid involving four suicide car bombings, followed by a ground assault.

The Somali government has not officially commented on the attack, which marks one of the deadliest in the region this year.

According to multiple sources interviewed by Kaab TV, the attack began in the early hours of Monday after Al-Shabab fighters reportedly disabled local telecommunications networks, cutting off the town from outside communication.

The militants then launched their assault using Turkish-made armored vehicles rigged with explosives.

“Al-Shabab terrorists attacked us early Monday morning. They used four armored trucks as suicide bombs — it was impossible to stop them,” said Adan Gedi, a Ma’awisley fighter who survived the attack.

The armored vehicles used in the bombing are believed to be among the military hardware previously seized by Al-Shabab from Somali forces during past operations, including equipment originally donated by Turkey.

Following the explosions, Ma’awisley fighters and government troops reportedly fled the area, allowing Al-Shabab militants to storm the town.

Witnesses said the insurgents were later seen patrolling the streets, while many residents fled in fear.

Among those killed was Abdi Muumin Xiish, a senior Hawadle commander and the recently appointed head of Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) in Hiiraan.

Reports of Betrayal and Lack of Support

Survivors expressed anger at what they described as a lack of government support and alleged internal sabotage.

Multiple frontline accounts shared with Kaab TV claimed that Ma’awisley fighters were instructed to stand down during critical moments in the fighting — and some even alleged that drone strikes mistakenly targeted their own ranks.

“The drones didn’t come for Al-Shabab — they hit our men,” said Abdi Mohamud, another fighter. “Al-Shabab came from Lower Shabelle, Middle Jubba, Bay, and Bakool. Nobody stopped them. No intelligence, no warning.”

Liban Abdirahman, Deputy Minister for Internal Security in Hirshabelle State, acknowledged the limitations of relying solely on local militias.

“This war can only be led by a government, not by locals. For four years, these brave men have fought alone. Many have died. Too many resources have been lost,” he said.

“The federal government and international partners must step up. Instead, they appear distracted by elections and political maneuvering.”

Security experts warn that Al-Shabab is expanding both its operational reach and propaganda efforts, particularly in Hiiraan, Lower Shabelle, and Middle Shabelle.

Local elders report that some clans are entering bey’ah — an Islamic agreement of submission — with the militants, seeking to avoid further bloodshed.

Al-Shabaab seizes Turkish-donated armored vehicle, amid a deadly battle in central Somaliahttps://t.co/NIGgnFc8MC pic.twitter.com/QxULkfONAr

— Kaab TV (@KaabTV) December 26, 2023

Meanwhile, divisions within Somalia’s security forces and deepening clan rivalries have raised further concerns.

The group’s infiltration into government ranks has bred mistrust within the military and intelligence services.

While these security challenges mount, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is facing criticism for focusing federal attention and resources on Sanaag region, where tensions are rising between Puntland forces and SSC-Khatumo, a new local administration.

“The Somali government is losing towns and villages to Al-Shabab at a frenetic pace,” said Rashid Abdi, a Nairobi-based regional analyst.

“Yet Villa Somalia continues to deploy troops and airlift weapons to Sanaag to back proxy factions. Fighting Al-Shabab should be the top priority — but sadly, it never has been.”

The fall of Moqokori raises urgent questions about Somalia’s ongoing counterterrorism strategy and its ability to defend liberated territories as it faces continued attacks from one of Africa’s most lethal insurgencies.

The post Suicide Bombs, Armored Vehicles, and Betrayal: How Moqokori Fell to Al-Shabab Again appeared first on Kaab TV.

The strike reportedly occurred near Moqokori, about 230 kilometers north of Mogadishu.

According to Abdi Hassan, a commander with the Hiiraan-based Ma’awisley militia, the strike hit a group of their fighters who were aligned with government forces in the fight against al-Shabaab.

“Twelve of our men were killed when the airstrike—likely carried out by a drone—hit our position,” he said.

The area has seen a surge in fighting between clan militias and al-Shabaab militants in recent weeks.

However, the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) issued a statement on Wednesday (21 May) confirming an airstrike in the region but said it targeted al-Shabaab militants, not allied local forces.

The strike was carried out on May 17 near Mabaax, roughly 200 kilometers north of Mogadishu.

“Al-Shabaab has proven its intent and capability to attack U.S. forces,” AFRICOM stated. “AFRICOM, alongside the Federal Government of Somalia and Somali Armed Forces, continues to take action to degrade al-Shabaab’s ability to plan and conduct attacks that threaten the U.S. homeland, our forces, and our citizens abroad.”

AFRICOM did not disclose details about casualties or the type of drone used, citing operational security.

Somali federal officials have not issued any statement regarding the reported deaths of the 12 militia members or the conflicting accounts surrounding the strike.

READ MORE: Rape and militia attack unleash fear and anger in Somalia’s Hiiraan province

The post Somalia Clan Militia Claims 12 Fighters Killed in Airstrike; AFRICOM Says Target Was al-Shabaab appeared first on Kaab TV.

Security officials from the Somali federal government and the Hirshabelle regional administration confirmed that Al-Shabaab launched a multi-front assault and swiftly took full control of the town.

Hirshabelle’s Minister of Security, Mohamed Kheyre, confirmed that Al-Shabaab is now in control of Aadan Yabaal.

The town had previously served as a key operational base for Somali government forces and allied local militias.

It played a significant role in ongoing military campaigns against Al-Shabaab in the Middle Shabelle region.

The exact casualty toll from the fighting remains unclear, but local residents reported fatalities and injuries during the early morning clash.

#UPDATE: Early Wednesday morning, Al-Shabaab militants launched a coordinated attacks on Adan Yabaal district from multiple directions, Somali security officials have confirmed.

The militant group has now issued a statement claiming to have “captured the strategic town and… pic.twitter.com/1A2k3aMyo9

— Kaab TV (@KaabTV) April 16, 2025

Al-Shabaab, which is the Al-Qaeda affiliated group, claimed responsibility for the attack, stating they had captured government and local militia bases in the town.

Photos circulated on social media showed Al-Shabaab fighters inside Aadan Yabaal’s police station, with images of seized weapons, military vehicles—including those donated by Somalia’s international partners—and food supplies.

What the fall of Aadan Yabaal means?

Several military officers are reportedly missing, with some believed to have fled the town.

The Somali government has not yet issued a statement regarding the missing officers.

The fall of Aadan Yabaal means the federal government now controls only three towns in the Middle Shabelle region: Jowhar, Mahaday, and Bal’ad. The rest of the region is now under Al-Shabaab control.

Additionally, government forces have reportedly withdrawn from Yasooman and Aboorey in the Hiiraan region, where heavy fighting with Al-Shabaab had occurred over the past week.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud briefly addressed the loss of Aadan Yabaal, calling it “a one-day setback” that does not define the broader fight against Al-Shabaab.

The post Al-Shabaab Captures Key Town of Aadan Yabaal in Middle Shabelle After Fierce Assault appeared first on Kaab TV.

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.

The post Al-Shabaab Carries Out Attacks in Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle, Civilians Flee appeared first on Kaab TV.

Speaking at the Prosecutors’ Conference in Mogadishu on Wednesday, Shuute noted that since the arming of Macawiisley militias began in 2022, their abuses have escalated, including attacks against government forces.

“The number of cases involving Macawiisley militias has risen significantly. Their violations have increased by 11%,” Colonel Shuute stated.

The Macawiisley militia is a clan-based armed group in central and southern Somalia, formed to defend local communities against Al-Shabaab.

Named after the traditional Somali “macawiis” wrap, they identify as civilian fighters rather than a formal military force.

Their activities escalated in 2022 when President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud openly backed their mobilization as part of a government-led offensive against Al-Shabaab, providing them with significant support in 2022 and 2023.

Mr. Shuute recalled that in 2022, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and the Council of Ministers issued a directive requiring that cases involving Macawiisley be handled by the military court within three months.

“Since 2022, we have been dealing with this issue. I want to ask the Minister of Justice to find a solution so that this responsibility is removed from us,” Shuute said.

This is not the first time concerns have been raised about the Macawiisley militia.

Journalists and human rights activists have previously criticized the government’s decision to arm the clan-based militia, warning of abuses.

The rise in Macawiisley activities has been evident since their involvement in the 2022 war against Al-Shabaab.

Initially supported by government forces, the militia played a key role in the offensive, but the campaign later faltered, raising concerns over their conduct.

Atrocities attributed to the Macawiisley militia include sexual violence against women and girls, the burning of villages, and enforced disappearances in Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle, where much of the fighting took place.

In September 2022, a young man was beheaded, and another had his genitals mutilated by Macawiisley fighters after the former governor of Hiiraan, Ali Jeyte Osman, announced a $5,000 reward for anyone who brought the head of an Al-Shabaab fighter.

However, the militia allegedly began targeting unarmed civilians in pursuit of monetary rewards.

The post Abuses by Somali President’s Ally, Macawiisley Militia, Surge by 11% – Military Court Chief appeared first on Kaab TV.

The Somali government forces supported by the local militia, have completely taken over several areas under the Bulaburte district, following heavy battles with the Al-Shabaab group in the past few days.

The allied forces have taken over the areas such as Beero Yabal, Bur Abooto, Eega Galmay, Jidcillan and Addow Gurey which are all areas under Bula Burte, where the Al-Shabaab group has been gathering for the past few days.

The Al-Shabaab group has been heavily defeated in the last few hours of fighting between Halgan and Bulaburte.

“We taught the Kharijite Shabaab a lesson they will not forget in Beera Yabal and many other villages where we forcefully removed them,”said the officer who spoke to the media named Ahmed Ali.

“The Kharijite forced them to bring their own people together and arrest them and say we are Ma’awis, their bodies are scattered. I saw more than 15 and we recovered many weapons,” he added.

These operations that took place in the last few hours in the areas of Hiran region are part of the government’s operations to rid the country of the Al-Shabaab group.

The post Al-Shabab Began To Impersonate Ma’awisley Militia – Officer appeared first on Kaab TV.

According to sources within the army, the withdrawal followed the execution of six Hawadle soldiers by a rival clan last Thursday in El Baraf.

Armed clan militia reportedly ambushed the soldiers in their vehicle before killing them at point-blank range.

In response, the Somali government dispatched Intelligence Director Abdullahi Mohamed Ali Sanbalolshe and the SNA Infantry Commander to Jowhar on Friday to address the situation.

Despite these efforts, soldiers stationed at Hawadley positions in Middle Shabelle began vacating their posts along the frontline with Al-Shabaab in protest over the killings.

A jubilant crowd greeted the arriving Hawadle forces in Jalalaqsi on Sunday evening.

Celebrations included loud music, gunfire into the air, and clapping by men and women lining the streets.

Hirshabelle President Ali Abdullahi Hussein Guudlaawe condemned the killings.

However, attempts to prevent the soldiers from leaving the frontline have so far proven unsuccessful.

There has yet to be any official comment from the Ministry of Defense or the Somali National Army command regarding the incident.

The post Somali Forces Arrive in Jalalaqsi After Vacating Positions in Protest appeared first on Kaab TV.

Jalalaqsi District Commissioner, Nuur Dheere, stated that the attack appeared to be clan-related, targeting the men based on their clan identity.

All the victims were members of the Ma’awisley militia from the Hiiraan region.

However, Commissioner Nuur Dheere clarified that the deceased were also Somali National Army personnel.

El Baraf has been the epicenter of recent clan clashes between Hawadle and Abgal militias, further heightening tensions in the area.

Hirshabelle State President Ali Abdullahi Hussein Guudlawe strongly condemned the attack, describing it as a “brutal and un-Islamic act” that violates Somali cultural values and human rights.

“This heinous act goes against Islamic law, Somali morals, and human rights. I am ordering the security forces to bring the perpetrators to justice within 24 hours,” read a statement from the Hirshabelle State Presidency.

President Guudlawe also expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and urged the people of Hirshabelle to avoid actions that could undermine community security and unity.

The post 6 Soldiers Killed in Ambush Near El Baraf, Hirshabelle State appeared first on Kaab TV.