Thursday May 15, 2025
FILE - Ma’awisley fighters operating in Hiiraan
Beledweyne (HOL) — Community militia fighters in central Somalia have launched a new offensive against Al-Shabab militants attempting to reestablish themselves in parts of the Hiiraan region, highlighting the persistent threat posed by the insurgent group despite years of military setbacks.
The operation, led by local Ma’awisley forces, targeted hideouts near the rural village of Mabaax after reports emerged of Al-Shabab operatives regrouping in nearby settlements. The militia, composed of armed civilians with close ties to the area, acted swiftly to disrupt what officials described as preparations for new attacks.
“We destroyed the shelters the Khawarij had built in secret. They fled when we arrived, abandoning plans to launch fresh assaults on local communities,” said a commander involved in the raid, using the government’s term for Al-Shabab.
Hiiraan remains a key battleground in the Somali government’s campaign to dismantle Al-Shabab’s hold on central Somalia. Although federal and local forces have reclaimed large swaths of territory in recent years, fighters often retreat into the countryside, regroup, and attempt to return to liberated zones.
The village of Abooreey, previously secured by Somali forces, is among the areas where militants have recently reemerged, sparking renewed security operations. The developments in Mabaax underscore the fragility of military gains and the need for sustained pressure to prevent the group from regaining ground.
Ma’awisley militias—named after the traditional sarong worn by Somali men—have been instrumental in pushing back Al-Shabab in areas where the national army has struggled to maintain a presence. Born out of frustration with state inaction, these militias have grown into a crucial line of defence for communities caught between militant rule and limited state authority.
Despite their success in rallying local resistance, security experts caution that without long-term investment in governance, reconciliation, and services, Somalia’s fight against Al-Shabab risks becoming a cycle of temporary victories and drawn-out insurgency.