A fresh wave of mobilization is underway in Mahas town, located in Hiiraan region, as local and federal leaders prepare for a new offensive against the militant group Al-Shabaab. The effort aims to reclaim the strategic district of Moqokori, which fell into Al-Shabaab’s hands just two days ago.
Among those leading the charge is Ali Jeyte Osman, the Federal Government’s representative for community defense forces known as Maawiisley, under the Office of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. He is joined by senior federal officials and influential local elders from the Hawadle clan.
In recent hours, intense and uninterrupted meetings have been held in Mahas involving Hawadle elders and government representatives. These discussions have focused on uniting the clan’s fighting force in the battle against Al-Shabaab.
A key objective of these talks is to resolve internal rifts that have emerged within the Maawiisley leadership. These divisions are believed to have contributed to the recent fall of Moqokori to Al-Shabaab, marking the group’s return to the area after nearly three years.
Moqokori is a strategically vital town located near the border of Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle regions. It serves as a critical junction connecting nearly ten key routes that link the regions of Hiiraan, Galgaduud, and Middle Shabelle, making its control essential to both security and commerce in central Somalia.
