Al-Shabaab seizes strategic Somali town of Mahaas after suicide bombing assault

Al-Shabaab militants seized control of Mahaas town in central Somalia on Sunday after launching a coordinated assault involving suicide bombers and armed fighters.

Located in the Hiraan region, about 350 kilometres north of Mogadishu, Mahaas has served as a key strategic base for government forces in their fight against the extremist group.

According to AP News, the militants stormed the town following the withdrawal of Somali government troops and allied Ma’awisley militias from the area.

Al-Shabaab, which aims to topple Somalia’s federal government and impose its version of Islamic rule, later claimed responsibility for the attack through affiliated media channels, stating that its fighters had taken full control of the town.

"There were multiple suicide blasts just outside the town early this morning, and heavy gunfire followed," said Ahmed Abdulle, a local elder, in an interview with Somali media.

As of publication, the Somali government had not released an official statement or confirmed the number of casualties or injuries.

The loss of Mahaas marks a major setback for Somalia's ongoing military campaign, which has seen the government, supported by African Union forces, US airstrikes, and local clan militias, reclaim territory previously held by Al-Shabaab.

Just two days earlier, the US Africa Command (AFRICOM), in coordination with the Somali government, conducted airstrikes west of Sabiid targeting Al-Shabaab positions.

Despite these efforts, Sunday’s attack underscores Al-Shabaab’s continued capacity to regroup and launch deadly operations, raising concerns about the coherence and sustainability of recent military gains.

The US State Department continues to classify Al-Shabaab as a significant terrorist threat in Somalia and the broader East African region.

The group is known for carrying out frequent deadly operations, including IED attacks, suicide bombings, complex assaults, targeted killings, and ambushes on key supply routes.