Local security officer Abdullahi Ibrahim told reporters that the looters stormed the town’s only Maternal and Child Health (MCH) center, taking medical supplies, a power generator, and an ambulance provided by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

A video shared by local sources shows the moment young men and women rushed into the MCH facility and emptied it, taking everything inside just shortly before Al-Shabaab fighters entered the town.

A resident later confirmed that Al-Shabaab, now in control of Xawaadley, returned the ambulance to the MCH center—but the town remains firmly under their rule.

#Somalia Update: Local residents in Xawaadley, #Middle Shabelle, looted the only MCH (Maternal and Child Health) center in the area, taking all the medicines and the facility’s power generator.
A video shows the moment people scrambled into the MCH.

Local officials also… pic.twitter.com/VP2ZGY77eY

— Kaab TV (@KaabTV) June 4, 2025

Looting was also reported at the Burundian forces’ base in Xawaadley, where both residents and militants took food, fuel, and other supplies after troops vacated the site.

As Burundian forces evacuated, a AUSSOM helicopter crash-landed near Xawaadley during an emergency mission to extract personnel.

The incident came amid reports of an imminent Al-Shabaab assault on the area.

In a statement issued Tuesday, AUSSOM confirmed that the helicopter suffered a technical malfunction, but its crew managed to land safely without casualties.

“During the evacuation on Monday, one of the helicopters experienced a technical malfunction. However, despite this challenge, the pilots skilfully manoeuvred the aircraft to land safely,” read the AU mission’s statement.

Despite that, images from the crash site show Al-Shabaab militants atop the aircraft, which appears intact and undamaged by fire.

Locals said the militants looted equipment from the helicopter, and the status of the pilots remains unclear.

“Even if the pilots landed the helicopter, why did they do it here—in an area controlled by Al-Shabaab? And where are the pilots now?” asked Ibrahim Nur, a district elder who fled Xawaadley after the militant takeover.

Former Hirshabelle president Ali Abdullahi Osoble criticized explanations given for the withdrawal, particularly claims of flooding in the area.

“Xawaadley is not near the river. I don’t understand what kind of flooding is in Xawaadley,” Osoble said, suggesting the withdrawal lacked valid justification.

Security sources confirmed that Burundian troops requested emergency extraction after intelligence warned of a major Al-Shabaab offensive.

Somali forces and allied clan militias also retreated, allowing militants to advance unchallenged.

The Somali federal government has yet to issue an official response regarding the fall of Xawaadley.

However, Defense Minister Ahmed Fiqi acknowledged the ongoing operational challenges faced by Somali forces.

“The Somali government forces lack sufficient ammunition and weapons. Therefore, we request additional support from the international community to continue our fight against Al-Shabaab,” said Minister Fiqi.

The post Chaos and Looting Follow African Union Troop Withdrawal in Somalia’s Xawaadley, Allowing Al-Shabaab Takeover appeared first on Kaab TV.

The UK announced an additional $3.9 million contribution to the United Nations-administered SSF Trust Fund.

The Trust Fund, managed by the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS), currently supports 18,900 personnel from the Somali National Army and Somali Police Force.

In 2024 alone, UK funding enabled UNSOS to deliver 6,000 tons of food rations and 2,000 tons of diesel fuel to the SSF, along with providing casualty evacuations (CASEVAC) for hundreds of wounded personnel.

The latest contribution will ensure continued delivery of this vital logistical support.

UNSOS requires a minimum of $2 million per month to support the planned increase in SSF personnel from 18,900 to 20,900, as outlined in UN Security Council Resolution 2767 (2024).

Additional funding is urgently needed, especially for UNSOS’s life-saving CASEVAC operations during ongoing military campaigns.

The UK reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Somalia’s security transition, emphasizing the importance of enabling UNSOS to continue its essential support to the SSF.

Outgoing British Ambassador to Somalia, Mike Nithavrianakis, says the contribution shows The UK is a firm friend of Somalia and at this vital moment.

“I’m proud to be announcing further funding to support the fight against violent extremists. I encourage other partners to contribute to the UNSOS SSF Trust Fund, to support the brave Somali Security Forces and to ensure a safe and secure future for all Somalis and the region,” Nithavrianakis said.

Somalia’s National Security Advisor, Hussein Sheikh Ali, also emphasized the importance of the Trust Fund and the government’s commitment to using it responsibly.

“The logistical support provided by UNSOS has been significant for the Somali Security Forces, particularly in CASEVAC and MEDEVAC. We urge donors to increase funding in 2025 as the FGS continues to generate new forces,” said Mr. Ali.

Theft of food and fuel

Somalia has a history of aid diversion, including theft of food and fuel intended for its security forces, provided by international partners.

Last year, the U.S. government cut rations and fuel support to the elite Danab forces after Washington discovered that supplies had been misappropriated.

However, Somalia’s National Security Advisor, Hussein Sheikh Ali, says the government is committed to doing better this time.

“I reiterate the Somali government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and adherence to international standards in the use of these resources,” said Hussein Sheikh Ali.

The Head of UNSOS, Aisa Kirabo Kacyira, praised the UK’s continued support while the air evacuation remains vital for injured soldiers.

“I remain grateful to the UK Government for its steadfast support of the SSF during the ongoing transition. CASEVAC operations have saved lives and boosted the morale of the Somali forces. It is crucial to have a reliable, predictable Trust Fund, and I urge partners to also contribute as we support Somalia’s security transition,” said Kacyira.

This latest UK contribution builds on earlier funding, bringing the total UK support to more than $50 million since 2021. In February 2025, the UK contributed £5 million, following earlier donations of £5 million in September 2024, £2.75 million in April 2024, £5 million in January 2024, and £5 million in December 2023.

The funding comes at a time of growing concern, as Al-Shabaab militants have advanced toward Mogadishu, the Somali capital. The group has begun encircling the city, raising fears of a possible assault and the potential for the capital to fall under militant control.

The post UK Steps Up Aid to Somalia Security Forces as Al-Shabaab Threat Intensifies appeared first on Kaab TV.