ADAN YABAAL, Somalia — Al-Shabaab militants seized control of Adan Yabaal in Somalia’s Middle Shabelle region early Wednesday following a fierce, hours-long battle with government forces and local militias, sources confirmed.
The assault began with explosions at dawn, followed by intense fighting that lasted over five hours. Al-Shabaab fighters entered the town after government-aligned forces withdrew, according to credible sources.
The situation remains volatile, with no official casualty figures reported from either side. Government troops and local militias have regrouped on the town’s outskirts, preparing to retake their positions, sources said.
Reinforcements from the Hiran region and airlifted units from Mogadishu are reportedly en route to bolster the government’s response. Adan Yabaal, a historic town, was captured by government forces in December 2022 during a major offensive against Al-Shabaab led by Somalia’s president.
The takeover coincides with Al-Shabaab’s capture of Aboorey in Hiran region on the same day, following two weeks of clashes that forced government and local forces to retreat.
Al-Shabaab frequently launches pre-dawn raids on government military bases, exploiting predictable patterns in their attacks. Heavy operations against the group continue in Middle Shabelle and Hiran, regions near Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, where militants have intensified efforts to reclaim lost territory.
HORN LIFE
