Fierce Fighting in Moqokori: Somalia Repels Al-Shabaab’s Latest Assault

Fierce Fighting in Moqokori: Somalia Repels Al-Shabaab’s Latest Assault

Heavy fighting erupted in Moqokori, a strategic town in the Hiiraan region of central Somalia, as al-Shabaab militants launched a major assault on Monday involving suicide bombings and ground attacks. According to local militia commander Abdulahi Adan and military sources, the terrorist group deployed hundreds of fighters and vehicle-borne explosives in an attempt to capture the town, located about 300 kilometers north of Mogadishu.

Local forces conducted a tactical retreat from some positions, but the commander emphasized that the battle is ongoing and that this is “not a complete takeover.” The Somali National Army (SNA), backed by local clan militias, remains actively engaged in efforts to secure the area.

Moqokori has long been a contested region. Al-Shabaab briefly seized the town in 2016 and again in 2018, recognizing its value as a key gateway to several major towns in the Hiiraan region. Monday’s attack echoes the group’s recent strategy—launching surprise offensives to disrupt security gains, including its recent seizure of Adan Yabaal in Middle Shabelle.

Despite the presence of more than 10,000 African Union troops under AUSSOM, al-Shabaab continues to pose a significant threat to national stability with increasingly complex and violent operations. However, Somali forces and allied militias have shown renewed coordination and resilience in defending their territory.

This most recent attack underscores the urgency of continued support for Somalia’s military and its partners. The defense of Moqokori is a testament to the enduring resistance against terror and a reminder that the fight for Somalia’s future is far from over.