Reports from the Middle Shabelle region indicate that Al-Shabaab militants began retreating from several areas in the region on Monday evening and continued their withdrawal into the night.
This comes as government forces and allied local militias intensify their tough military operations to liberate key territories from the extremist group.
According to local sources the group has vacated the villages of Ceel Baraf and Biyo Cadde, which they had recently recaptured in the past few weeks following
counteroffensive attacks. The reason behind their sudden withdrawal remains unclear.
Residents in the area have confirmed that Al-Shabaab militants not only left Ceel Baraf and Biyo Cadde but also abandoned the surrounding villages.
Reports suggest that the retreating militants moved towards the riverbanks bordering the regions of Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle, where they are reportedly regrouping.
Before leaving these areas, Al-Shabaab reportedly gathered local residents in a public meeting and informed them about their decision to withdraw, though the details of their discussion remain unknown.
Currently, the vacated areas remain unoccupied, as no government forces have taken control yet. However, Somali government troops and allied local militias are reportedly in close proximity and have been conducting extensive military operations in Middle Shabelle in recent weeks.
The primary reason behind Al-Shabaab’s withdrawal is believed to be the sustained military pressure from Somali forces and international partners. The group has been facing intensified aerial bombardments targeting its strongholds.
Additionally, the Somali National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) recently announced the destruction of an improvised bridge in the Oobaale area of Middle Shabelle. The bridge, constructed by Al-Shabaab, was a key logistical route used for transporting fighters and supplies for their attacks in the region.
“NISA forces, in collaboration with international partners, carried out an airstrike in the village of Oobaale, Middle Shabelle region, destroying an improvised bridge constructed by the terrorists,” read a statement from the agency.
According to NISA, the bridge was a crucial passage used by Al-Shabaab fighters to deploy militants and commanders aiming to disrupt security in Middle Shabelle.
Despite these developments, Somali authorities have yet to release an official statement regarding the latest Al-Shabaab withdrawal from these strategic areas.
