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3w ago

Al Shabaab and Somali Forces Clash in Strategic Town as Battle Outcome Remains Disputed

The militant group claims control of Adan Yabaal, a key logistical hub, while Somali forces assert they repelled the attack in ongoing intense fighting.

Members of Somali special police forces stand in formation at the Halane Training Facility in Mogadishu, Somalia April 14, 2025. REUTERS/Feisal Omar/File Photo

Overview

  • Al Shabaab launched a pre-dawn assault on Adan Yabaal, a strategic town in central Somalia, using a two-pronged attack with heavy explosions and gunfire reported by residents.
  • Conflicting accounts have emerged, with Al Shabaab claiming to have seized the town and overrun military installations, while Somali officials state government forces successfully pushed the militants back.
  • Adan Yabaal serves as a critical logistical hub for Somali military operations and was recaptured from Al Shabaab in 2022, underscoring its strategic importance in the ongoing conflict.
  • President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who hails from the region, recently visited Adan Yabaal to discuss military reinforcements with local commanders ahead of the escalating tensions.
  • The attack highlights broader concerns over Somalia's security landscape, compounded by uncertainties surrounding international support and funding for the African Union peacekeeping mission.