BELEDWEYNE, Somalia (Horn Life) – Al-Shabaab militants have taken full control of the strategically important Goobo area in Somalia’s central Hiiraan region without any fighting, local sources said on Tuesday, after federal government and local forces withdrew from the location.
The takeover occurred peacefully, allowing the al Qaeda-linked Islamist group to assume direct authority over the area, which lies on the border between the Hiiraan and Galguduud regions, according to the sources who spoke on condition of anonymity due to security concerns.
Goobo serves as a key link between the towns of Mataban and Guriel, providing access to vital roads connecting the two regions, the sources added.
The seizure comes amid a mass exodus of civilians from the area, with most residents fleeing to the nearby city of Beledweyne and surrounding villages out of fear for their safety.
This move is part of a broader resurgence by Al Shabaab, which has recaptured several districts in eastern Hiiraan that were liberated from its control two years ago. The group appears to be expanding its influence in the region once again.
The militants have benefited from a slowdown in the Somali federal government’s military campaign against them, as officials have shifted focus to political matters and personal interests, sidelining the fight as a top priority, the sources said.
