Wednesday April 23, 2025
Mogadishu (HOL) — Heavy fighting broke out Wednesday afternoon in Abooreey, a strategic village in Somalia’s Hiiraan region after local Macawiisley militia launched a coordinated attack on Al-Shabaab militants entrenched in the area.
The militia, aligned with the Somali government, launched the assault from multiple directions following an overnight raid on the same target. The operation marks a renewed push to dislodge the al-Qaida-linked group from territory it has long used as a base in central Somalia.
Residents described the sound of heavy artillery echoing beyond Abooreey’s perimeter, suggesting the use of mortars and other long-range weapons by both sides. The full scale of casualties remains unclear, and Somali authorities have not yet issued a formal statement.
The village has become a flashpoint in recent weeks, with the Macawiisley escalating operations to reclaim it after reports that Al-Shabaab had reinforced its position. Local sources say the militants have deployed fighters from surrounding areas to maintain control.
Al-Shabaab continues to wage a deadly insurgency across Somalia, aiming to topple the federal government and impose its own strict interpretation of Islamic law. The group has intensified attacks in rural regions, even as Somali forces—with support from clan militias and international partners—try to regain momentum in the counteroffensive.
As of late Wednesday, the fighting in Abooreey was ongoing. Additional details are expected once communications improve and military officials assess the situation on the ground.
Hiiraan Online will continue to provide updates as they become available.
