Al-Shabaab seizes strategic town of Aadan Yabaal in Middle Shabelle region

Al-Shabaab militants on Wednesday morning captured the strategic town of Aadan Yabaal in Somalia’s Middle Shabelle region following an early morning attack, local media reported.

Citing residents, the reports said the assault began with explosions and was followed by intense ground combat that lasted for more than five hours between the group and government forces supported by local fighters.

The situation in the area remains tense, with no official figures released regarding casualties on either side.

Government and allied forces are reportedly positioned on the outskirts of the town, regrouping in preparation for a possible counter-offensive. Additional reinforcements from the Hiiraan region and troops airlifted from the capital, Mogadishu, are said to be en route to the area to support ongoing operations.

Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the takeover in a statement, although the federal government has yet to comment on the development.

The capture of Aadan Yabaal occurred on the same day the group also seized control of Aboorey in the Hiiraan region, following over two weeks of clashes with Somali National Army units and local militia, who later withdrew.

Observers say the loss of Aadan Yabaal marks one of the most significant territorial setbacks for Somali forces since the launch of the ongoing military campaign against Al-Shabaab in mid-2022.

Somali forces, backed by local fighters, had previously captured Aadan Yabaal, located approximately 245 kilometres north of Mogadishu, in December 2022.