Jowhar, Somalia – May 20, 2025 – Heavy fighting looms in Somalia’s Middle Shabelle region as government troops, backed by armored vehicles and senior officials, pour into the area in a renewed offensive against the militant group Al-Shabaab.
President of Hirshabelle State, Ali Gudlawe, accompanied by former regional officials, including ex-governor Ahmed Mayre Makaraan and political figure Ahmed Faal, arrived at the frontlines to oversee and support ongoing military operations.
The offensive, which extends into areas bordering the Hiraan region, aims to dislodge Al-Shabaab fighters from key territories they recently infiltrated. Military convoys and reinforcements continue to stream into the region as the government intensifies efforts to regain control.
“The situation is escalating rapidly,” a regional security source told Radio Shabelle, requesting anonymity due to the sensitivity of the operation. “This is one of the largest troop movements we’ve seen in Middle Shabelle in months.”
In a morale-boosting address, former governor Makaraan urged the troops to set aside local grievances and unite against a common enemy. “Our unity is the strongest weapon we have against Al-Shabaab,” he said during a briefing at the frontline.
The campaign is part of a broader national effort, supported by the Somali federal government, to weaken Al-Shabaab’s hold in central Somalia. The group has maintained a persistent insurgency for over a decade, launching attacks on government forces and civilians.
No official casualty figures have been released, and the government has yet to announce territorial gains from the current operation. However, local residents report hearing heavy gunfire and seeing military aircraft in the skies over several contested villages.
As operations continue, authorities warn of a protracted fight ahead but remain optimistic about eventual success in clearing Al-Shabaab from the region.
