Al-Shabaab militants regroup in Mahaday district after heavy defeats in Hiiraan region

 Al-Shabaab militants fleeing recent heavy fighting in the Hiiraan region have regrouped near the Shabelle River in Mahaday district, located in Somalia’s Middle Shabelle region, according to local residents.

Witnesses reported seeing large groups of militants arriving over the past few hours, with many appearing to be retreating from fierce clashes in Hiiraan. 

Government forces, along with troops from the Hirshabelle administration, have launched military operations in and around Mahaday to prevent the group from establishing a foothold.

Last Friday’s battle in Hiiraan resulted in the deaths of more than 30 Al-Shabaab fighters and the capture of three others, according to military officials. The joint operation, involving Somali government forces and local Ma’awisley militias, successfully captured key areas previously occupied by the militants.

Military commanders stated that the offensive also led to the elimination of foreign fighters who had been supporting Al-Shabaab’s operations. The ongoing military campaign aims to deny the group any opportunity to regroup and maintain its regional stronghold.