Friday February 14, 2025

Beledweyne (HOL) – Hiiraan Regional Governor Muse Salad Wehliye on Thursday inspected a newly deployed contingent of Ma’awisleey local forces in Beledweyne, ahead of planned military operations against al-Shabaab in western Hiiraan.

The Ma’awisleey forces from the Gaaljecel clan are being mobilized to join upcoming offensives to eliminate al-Shabaab strongholds in the region. Governor Wehliye reaffirmed the government’s support and urged them to intensify efforts against the militant group.

“Whoever brings the heads of the Khawarij, their wounds, or their weapons will receive a reward. We want the Gaaljecel clan to succeed in this fight, and we, as a government, stand firmly with you,” said Wehliye.

He dismissed speculation that the Gaaljecel clan and al-Shabaab were closely linked, emphasizing that the local forces must play a decisive role in uprooting the militant group. 

“We must end the rumors that the Gaaljecel clan and al-Shabaab are intertwined. You are being asked to throw al-Shabaab into a hole. As an administration, we are providing you with weapons and military equipment. The east of Hiiraan has been liberated, and now we must unite to secure the west,” he added.

The deployment of Ma’awisleey forces in western Beledweyne follows significant gains in eastern Hiiraan, where Somali government troops and local militias have pushed al-Shabaab out of key areas. However, the militant group continues to maintain a presence in the western part of the region, prompting authorities to escalate military operations.