Al-Shabaab Recaptures Strategic Town of Mahaas in Hiiraan Region, Somalia
The al-Qaeda-linked militant group Al-Shabaab has seized control of Mahaas, a key town in Somalia's central Hiiraan region, after launching a ground offensive on Sunday, July 27, 2025. This takeover marks another significant setback for the Somali government's efforts to dislodge the militants from central Somalia and underscores Al-Shabaab's persistent resurgence in the region.
Details of the Seizure:
Location and Significance: Mahaas is located in the Hiiraan region, a crucial area that has been at the epicenter of intense armed clashes between government forces and non-state armed groups since late 2022. Control over towns like Mahaas is strategically important as it allows Al-Shabaab to consolidate its influence, levy taxes, and control key supply routes.
The Offensive: While specific details of the ground offensive in Mahaas on July 27 are still emerging, it follows a pattern of recent Al-Shabaab attacks that have often involved coordinated assaults on government positions, leading to the withdrawal of Somali security forces and allied clan militias (known as the Macawiisley).
Wider Al-Shabaab Offensive: The seizure of Mahaas is part of a larger offensive that Al-Shabaab has been conducting in central Somalia throughout July 2025. This offensive has already seen the group recapture several other towns and villages, effectively reversing some of the territorial gains made by the Somali government's counteroffensive in 2022.
Moqokori and Gumare: In early July 2025, Al-Shabaab seized Moqokori and the nearby town of Gumare, following coordinated suicide car bomb attacks on government positions.
Tardo: On July 14, Al-Shabaab militants reportedly seized Tardo in Hirshabelle, south of Moqokori, without significant resistance after government forces withdrew.
Sabiid and Anole: Around July 20, Al-Shabaab also recaptured the towns of Sabiid and Anole in Somalia's Lower Shabelle region, following the abrupt withdrawal of African Union forces (primarily Ugandan troops) and Somali government forces.
Impact on Government Operations: Al-Shabaab's renewed offensive has significantly hampered the Federal Government of Somalia's (FGS) efforts to reclaim territory and establish stability. The group's ability to swiftly reclaim towns suggests issues with the durability of government control and the effectiveness of security force deployments.
Context and Implications:
Resilience of Al-Shabaab: The recent successes demonstrate Al-Shabaab's enduring strength and resilience despite ongoing military operations by the Somali National Army (SNA) and African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) forces. The group continues to adapt its tactics, launching asymmetric attacks and exploiting vulnerabilities in government control.
Humanitarian Impact: The intensified clashes and territorial shifts are causing widespread displacement. As of early July 2025, over 58,260 people had already been displaced due to armed conflict in the Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle regions since January 2025. The seizure of towns further exacerbates the humanitarian crisis, cutting off access to essential services and disrupting livelihoods.
"Super El Niño" Impact: Prior to this renewed offensive, operations against Al-Shabaab had been impacted by severe flooding caused by a "Super El Niño" in late 2023, which brought military movements to a standstill and allowed Al-Shabaab to regroup.
Clan Militias (Macawiisley): The Somali government has relied heavily on allied clan militias, the Macawiisley, in its offensive against Al-Shabaab. However, reports suggest instances of these militias withdrawing or being overrun, highlighting the challenges in sustaining a coordinated and effective counter-insurgency.
Strategic Stronghold: Al-Shabaab's control over Mahaas, Moqokori, Tardo, and Buq-Aqable is forming a triangular stronghold in central Somalia, allowing the group to directly challenge federal authority and maintain control over key areas.
The recapture of Mahaas and other towns is a significant development in the ongoing conflict, underscoring the formidable challenge Al-Shabaab continues to pose to stability and peace in Somalia.
