Al-Shabaab seizes strategic Somali town in blow to government forces

 Al-Shabaab seizes strategic Somali town in blow to government forces

Al-Shabaab militants have seized control of the strategic town of Aadan Yabaal in Somalia's Middle Shabelle region following a dawn assault involving explosions and prolonged combat, local sources told HOL.

The attack, which began early Wednesday, lasted more than five hours and involved the use of heavy weaponry on both sides. The town, considered a key hub in central Somalia, had been under government control since it was retaken from the militant group in late 2022.

Residents and military officers confirmed to HOL that the town fell after Al-Shabaab launched a multi-pronged assault. The group claimed to have overrun 10 military outposts during the operation and released unverified footage showing fighters moving through the area. A soldier involved in evacuating the wounded told HOL that forces conducted a "tactical withdrawal" following sustained combat.