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Africa Horn

Fierce Clashes Between Local Militia and Al-Shabaab in Central Somalia

2025-05-20

[ShabelleMedia] Heavy fighting
... as opposed to the more usual name-calling or slapsy...
has erupted over the past two days along the border between Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle regions, involving local community militia known as Macawiisley, backed by Somali National Army (SNA) forces, and the al-Shabaab
... Somalia's version of the Taliban, functioning as an arm of al-Qaeda...
The battles, described as intense, have resulted in significant casualties on both sides. The conflict initially broke out at the regional border but soon spread to areas near the Aadan Yabaal district in Middle Shabelle.

Colonel Khaliif, a Macawiisley commander, confirmed that ~~Arclight~~ airstrike
<del>Arclight</del> airstrike

...KABOOM!...
s targeted al-Shabaab positions where some Macawiisley fighters were previously ambushed.

He stated that al-Shabaab suffered heavy losses, forcing them to retreat from the frontlines where they had launched the attack.

Local militia forces reportedly pursued fleeing al-Shabaab fighters into surrounding villages under Aadan Yabaal’s administration, continuing the military pressure in the region.

The Ministry of information reported that over 70 al-Shabaab members were killed in the festivities without providing evidence as there is no independent sources confirming the claims.

Drone Strike Mistakenly Hits Anti-Al-Shabaab Militia in Somalia, Killing 12

[Garowe] A drone strike in central Somalia mistakenly hit a pro-government militia, killing at least 12 fighters, officials and residents said on Sunday.

The strike occurred near Moqokori, a town in the Hiran region where Somali government troops and the Ma’awisley militia were engaged in coordinated operations aimed at pushing back Al-Shabaab insurgents. The two forces have been working closely in recent years to reclaim territory from the Al-Qaeda-linked militant group.

A senior regional security official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the drone was part of ongoing counterterrorism operations but misidentified the target, striking fighters from the Ma’awisley militia.

“Twelve members of the Ma’awisley militia were killed and dozens wounded in the strike,” the official said. “It was a tragic mistake, and an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the misfire.”

Residents confirmed the strike, saying the militia had recently returned from patrol when they were hit. “We heard a loud explosion and saw smoke rising from the area where the fighters had gathered,” said Hassan Abdi, a resident near Moqokori.

The Somali federal government has not issued an official statement, and it remains unclear whether the drone was operated by Somali forces or international partners, including the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), which regularly carries out airstrikes in Somalia targeting Al-Shabaab.

The Ma’awisley militias, made up of local clan fighters, have played a key role in recent offensives aimed at dislodging Al-Shabaab from rural strongholds in central Somalia. The deadly incident risks straining ties between federal forces and community militias, whose collaboration has been crucial to recent battlefield gains and future operations.

Posted by:trailing wife

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