BELEDWEYNE, Somalia – Intense fighting has erupted in Somalia’s Hiran region, with Somali government forces, backed by local militias and Djiboutian peacekeeping troops (Hiil Walaal), clashing with Al-Shabaab militants, military sources said on Friday.
The conflict is centered between the towns of Halgan and Buula-Burde, with significant engagements reported around the village of Jiciboow. Airstrikes have also been part of the military operations in the region, aimed at dislodging the Islamist insurgents.
The offensive in Hiran, spearheaded by Somali military commander General Ali Jeyte and other regional and federal leaders, is part of a broader initiative to dismantle Al-Shabaab’s control over parts of central and southern Somalia.
Residents have voiced increasing concerns over the violence, with the local population caught in the crossfire as the government forces and allies push forward. Despite reported advances by the coalition forces, the situation remains volatile.
The escalation comes as part of a strategic push to reclaim and secure areas that have long been under Al-Shabaab’s influence, reflecting a significant effort by Somalia’s government to address the persistent security threats in the region.
