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“We have withdrawn from the town and are now stationed a short distance away,” Chairman Guure told reporters, adding that the retreat was part of a strategic maneuver and that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