MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Closely armed fighters from the militant group Al-Shabaab have “encircled” the city of Jowhar, situated roughly 91 kilometers north of Somalia’s capital Mogadishu, Shabelle TV reported on Saturday.
Jowhar serves because the capital of Hirshabelle State and is a essential regional administrative middle.
UPDATE: Al-Shabaab militants have reportedly encircled Jowhar, a key city 91km north of Mogadishu. This comes simply days after the group intensified assaults throughout the Center Shabelle and Hiran areas. pic.twitter.com/CmttlIADnn
— Shabelle Media Community (@ShabelleMedia) March 1, 2025
In a associated growth, pro-government journalist Ali Adan Mumin reported early Saturday morning on his Fb web page that militants with dozens of army automobiles, had seized management of Battle-Eise, a city located roughly 28 kilometers from Jowhar. Mumin additionally famous that the insurgents had severed provide routes between Biyo Adde and Rage Elle within the Center Shabelle area, additional consolidating their grip on the realm.
Hours after Mumin’s report, Al-Shabaab claimed capturing Biyo Adde, a strategic city within the area. The group’s advance adopted intense clashes with Somali safety forces and allied clan militias.
This escalation comes simply days after Al-Shabaab launched a collection of coordinated, multi-front assaults throughout the Center Shabelle and Hiran areas, retaking a number of cities and villages. The group’s current positive aspects have raised considerations concerning the stability of the area and the effectiveness of counter-insurgency efforts.
As of now, neither the Somali authorities nor Hirshabelle State authorities have issued official statements concerning these developments.
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