Local Ma’awisley Militia Strike a Blow Against al-Shabaab Near Beledweyne

Local Ma’awisley Militia Strike a Blow Against al-Shabaab Near Beledweyne

The Hiiraan region witnessed another significant development in the fight against al-Shabaab this week, as local Ma’awisley militia forces carried out a targeted operation in the Dhoqor area, located near the town of Beledweyne. The action, conducted on Thursday, resulted in the killing of several al-Shabaab militants and renewed confidence in community-led security efforts in central Somalia.

According to local sources, the operation was executed by a small team of three Ma’awisley fighters, who moved swiftly to strike an al-Shabaab presence in the area. Despite being heavily outnumbered, the militia members demonstrated both preparedness and tactical coordination, managing to kill multiple militants. They also seized weapons belonging to two of the fighters killed, further limiting al-Shabaab’s operational capabilities.

Dhoqor, the site of the operation, lies along the banks of the Shabelle River, approximately 25 kilometers from Beledweyne. The area is known for its strategic value, as militants have previously used remote riverbank settlements for mobility and concealment. Following the operation, news spread quickly throughout Beledweyne and the surrounding communities, prompting widespread discussion about the growing role of Ma’awisley forces in the region’s security landscape.

The Ma’awisley militias are community-based defense units formed by local clans in Hiiraan. Over the past few years, they have emerged as a crucial partner to the Somali National Army (SNA), particularly in rural zones where al-Shabaab has historically maintained influence. Their intimate knowledge of the terrain and strong community support have allowed them to confront militants effectively, even in challenging environments.

Thursday’s operation is part of a much broader, coordinated effort led by the Somali National Army to degrade al-Shabaab’s presence across central Somalia. The government, alongside allied forces, has reclaimed large portions of eastern Hiiraan, weakening the group’s operational networks. The Ma’awisley, in particular, have played a prominent role in holding liberated areas and preventing militant reinfiltration, which has been essential for stabilizing the region.

As Hiiraan continues to benefit from collaborative security initiatives, residents are cautiously optimistic. Many view the latest Ma’awisley success as a sign that local resistance, backed by national military operations, is gradually shifting the balance of power. While challenges remain, community members hope that sustained pressure on al-Shabaab will eventually pave the way for long-term peace, mobility, and economic recovery across the region.