Caaqil News - Reports from central Somalia confirm that the Somali National Army (SNA), in collaboration with local clan militias known as Macawiisley, has launched a well-coordinated offensive against the Al-Shabaab militant group in the village of Abooreey, located on the outskirts of Buulo-Burte district in the Hiiraan region.
The operation, described as strategic and pre-planned, targeted a known Al-Shabaab hideout and resulted in the killing of several militants, including field commanders. Additionally, several military vehicles belonging to the group were reportedly destroyed during the operation.
Precision Strike Against Al-Shabaab
Speaking to local media outlet Risaala Media, the governor of Abooreey, Nuur Cilmi Cariif, confirmed the operation was a direct strike on Al-Shabaab militants. He highlighted the importance of such offensives in weakening the group's grip on strategic territories in central Somalia.
> “The operation was carefully planned and executed. Our forces targeted a specific location where the terrorists were stationed. We killed a number of their fighters and burned the vehicles they used for combat missions,” the governor stated.
He added that the militants had mined roads leading into Abooreey in an attempt to halt the advance of government forces and local militia, posing a significant risk to both the security forces and civilians in the area.
Threat of Landmines and Future Plans
Governor Cariif further elaborated that one of the key challenges now facing the joint forces is the removal of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and landmines planted by Al-Shabaab in and around Abooreey. These devices pose a grave threat to anyone moving through the area.
> “We found multiple landmines on the roads, which created serious difficulties during the operation. However, our engineers are working to clear the roads. In the coming days, we plan to eliminate Al-Shabaab’s presence completely from Abooreey,” he stated.
The Role of Macawiisley in the Fight Against Terrorism
The Macawiisley militia, composed of local clan members, has played a critical role in the fight against Al-Shabaab in Hiiraan and other central regions of Somalia. These community-based fighters have taken up arms to defend their villages from the extremist group, which has long terrorized residents with taxation, forced recruitment, and targeted killings.
Formed in 2022, the Macawiisley fighters have become a key part of the federal government's counterinsurgency strategy. They work closely with the SNA and often provide essential local intelligence that helps in planning operations.
Their success in repelling Al-Shabaab from several villages in Hiiraan has inspired similar movements in neighboring regions such as Galgaduud and Middle Shabelle.
Strategic Importance of Abooreey
Abooreey is considered a strategic location due to its proximity to Buulo-Burte and its road networks connecting multiple rural villages. Al-Shabaab had maintained a significant presence in the area, using it as a staging ground for attacks and logistics supply.
Military sources believe that dislodging the group from this area will significantly weaken their ability to operate in Hiiraan and may cut off important supply lines.
> “Controlling Abooreey means cutting a crucial artery of Al-Shabaab’s operations. It also means protecting civilian populations who have suffered under their control,” said a senior Somali military official on condition of anonymity.
Ongoing Security Operations Across Hiiraan
Today’s operation is part of a larger, multi-phase offensive launched by the Somali government aimed at liberating rural areas from Al-Shabaab control. According to military officials, the offensive will continue in the coming weeks, focusing on other key strongholds in Hiiraan.
The federal government, under President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, has recently intensified its military efforts against Al-Shabaab following the withdrawal of a portion of African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) forces. As ATMIS gradually transfers security responsibilities to Somali forces, pressure has mounted on the government to demonstrate its capability to manage national security.
In line with this strategy, the Ministry of Defense has vowed to increase ground offensives while investing in training and equipping local defense units, including the Macawiisley.
Community Support and Political Implications
Local communities in Hiiraan have welcomed the military offensive, expressing hope that the government will finally eliminate the presence of militants who have destabilized the region for years. Traditional elders, local administrators, and civil society groups have lauded the joint efforts of the SNA and Macawiisley.
However, analysts caution that military gains must be followed by meaningful political and economic development. Without services, employment, and governance, liberated areas may fall back into chaos, giving Al-Shabaab an opportunity to regroup.
> “Winning the war against Al-Shabaab is not only about military victories. The government must establish real governance structures, provide services, and engage the local population,” said political analyst Abdirahman Yusuf, based in Mogadishu.
The Broader War Against Al-Shabaab
Al-Shabaab remains one of the most dangerous insurgent groups in East Africa. Despite more than a decade of military campaigns against them by Somali and international forces, the group has shown remarkable resilience. It continues to carry out suicide bombings, ambushes, and targeted assassinations in Somalia and even across the border in Kenya.
However, recent months have seen increasing pressure on the group, particularly in central regions like Hiiraan, Galgaduud, and Mudug. A combination of local resistance, government offensives, and international support has led to the loss of several strategic territories by the group.
Still, Al-Shabaab continues to generate revenue through illicit taxation, smuggling, and extortion. Analysts argue that defeating the group requires a multi-faceted approach, including financial disruption, counter-ideological campaigns, and reconciliation programs for defectors.
Conclusion: Turning the Tide?
Today’s victory in Abooreey marks another chapter in the evolving war between Somalia’s legitimate government and the insurgent group Al-Shabaab. The success of the operation illustrates the effectiveness of combining national forces with local community militias.
Yet, challenges remain. The presence of landmines, the risk of counter-attacks, and the need for lasting governance underscore the complexity of the conflict.
The government’s ability to sustain these military gains and translate them into long-term peace and stability will be the true measure of success in Somalia’s fight against extremism.
As the joint forces prepare for the next phase of their offensive, residents in Hiiraan watch closely—hopeful for a future free from fear, violence, and uncertainty.
