By Goth Mohamed Goth
IMogadishu- Intense fighting broke out in the early hours of this morning in Adan Yabaal, a key district in Somalia’s Middle Shabelle region. The battle pits Somali government forces and allied local militias against al-Shabaab militants, with conflicting, unverified reports emerging about the current situation.
This strategic town has changed hands multiple times in recent years. Somali National Army (SNA) forces initially captured Adan Yabaal from al-Shabaab in December 2022 as part of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s major offensive following his re-election. The operation marked a significant victory for the government, with local “Macawiisley” militias playing a crucial supporting role.
However, the district’s history reveals its contested nature. While joint Somali-AMISOM forces (including Ethiopian troops) first liberated Adan Yabaal on April 16, 2016, al-Shabaab later regained control before being ousted again in late 2022.
Located 220 km northeast of Mogadishu near the Hiran-Middle Shabelle border, Adan Yabaal holds strategic importance for al-Shabaab’s operations. Today’s reported attack comes despite high-level government attention to the area – both President Mohamud and Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre visited this year, with the president narrowly surviving an explosion during his March 18 trip to frontline regions.
Unconfirmed reports indicate:
– SNA commander General Odowaa Yusuf Raage may be present in the town
– Armed Forces Court chairman General Hassan Ali Nur Shuute might also be on site
– Al-Shabaab claims control through unverified statements
– Social media shows alleged militant vehicles in the area
The situation remains unclear due to:
– Severed communication lines in the district
– Non-functional telephone networks
– Lack of official government statements
– Inability to independently verify casualty figures or territorial claims
The potential loss of this stronghold would represent a significant setback for Somalia’s counterinsurgency efforts, though the government has yet to confirm al-Shabaab’s claims of control.
