Heavy Clashes in Hiiraan as Ma’awiisley Militia Launch Offensive Against Al-Shabaab

 Heavy Clashes in Hiiraan as Ma’awiisley Militia Launch Offensive Against Al-Shabaab

Fierce fighting erupted early Wednesday in Abooreey, a village in Somalia's Hiiraan region, as the Hawadle Ma’awiisley militia launched a coordinated multi-front attack on Al-Shabaab militants. Eyewitnesses described heavy gunfire and loud explosions, indicating the intensity of the clashes.

This operation is part of an ongoing grassroots campaign to reclaim territory from the al-Qaeda-linked group. The Ma’awiisley — a community-organized militia named after the traditional sarong many of its fighters wear — has played a central role in efforts to liberate rural areas from Al-Shabaab control.

The latest assault follows a similar attack near El Hareeri on Tuesday, where Ma’awiisley forces engaged militants regrouping in nearby bushland. Over the past four days, the militia has reportedly killed more than 70 Al-Shabaab fighters in a series of operations along the Hiiraan–Middle Shabelle border.

Though casualty figures remain unconfirmed, both sides are believed to have suffered losses. The Somali federal government, while not directly commanding the militia, supports its efforts and views Ma’awiisley as a critical ally in the broader counterinsurgency campaign.

Despite setbacks in urban areas, Al-Shabaab continues to control vast rural territory, where it collects taxes and launches attacks. The fight for Somalia's countryside is far from over, but these community-driven offensives are reshaping the front lines of resistance.