Wednesday May 28, 2025
Beledweyne (HOL) – Senior Somali government and regional leaders held a high-level meeting with traditional elders in Tardo town, Hiiraan region, on Tuesday to intensify ongoing military operations against Al-Shabaab in areas straddling Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle regions.
The delegation was led by the Director of the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), Abdullahi Mohamed Ali Sanbaloolshe, and included Commander of the Somali National Army Land Forces, Sahal Abdullahi Omar, HirShabelle’s Interior Minister, Abdi Daahir Guur, and several Members of Parliament representing the Hawaadle clan.
The meeting focused on the critical role of local communities—particularly the Tardo elders and intellectuals—in cooperating with federal and regional security forces to sustain momentum against Al-Shabaab, which has recently suffered territorial losses due to intensified military campaigns.
“We commend the unity and bravery of the Tardo community and the broader Hawaadle clan in their unwavering support of the Somali National Army and Ma’awisley forces,” said NISA Director Sanbaloolshe.
Officials stressed the importance of strengthened government-community collaboration, urging residents to remain vigilant and continue supporting national troops in their efforts to liberate key areas from extremist control.
In response, Tardo elders and intellectuals expressed gratitude for the visit and reaffirmed their commitment to resisting Al-Shabaab’s presence in their region.
The meeting comes amid ongoing operations in the border zones of Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle, where federal and HirShabelle forces, supported by local Ma’awisley fighters, have reportedly made notable gains over the past 48 hours.
The Somali government has signaled its intent to maintain pressure on Al-Shabaab across central Somalia, with Tardo seen as a strategic community hub in the broader anti-terror campaign.
