Heavy fighting has broken out in central Somalia as government troops and Al-Shabaab militants battle for control of the town of Moqokori.
The town, located about 300 kilometres north of Mogadishu, lies at the heart of the Hiraan region and serves as a key gateway to several other major locations. Its strategic value has made it a repeated target for Al-Shabaab insurgents.
According to Abdulahi Adan, a militia commander allied with government troops, “vehicles packed with explosives and hundreds of fighters” were used in the Al-Shabaab assault.
Adan said government forces made a “tactical retreat,” but confirmed that fighting was ongoing. He added that the militants had not yet achieved a full takeover of the town.
Yusuf Mohamed, a respected elder from nearby Mahas, reported that wounded soldiers and militia members were being rushed to the area for urgent medical care.
The Somali National News Agency (SONNA) announced that the attack was “foiled,” claiming that several Al-Shabaab fighters had been killed. No further details were given by the agency.
A Town Repeatedly Contested
Moqokori has changed hands before. Al-Shabaab briefly captured it in 2016 and again in 2018. Its fall would allow the group greater control in central Somalia and create fresh threats to surrounding towns.
The recent attack comes as Al-Shabaab intensifies its operations across Somalia. Just weeks ago, the group targeted a convoy carrying Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
Despite the presence of over 10,000 troops from the African Union Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), the militants continue to carry out deadly ambushes across the country.
In June, seven Ugandan soldiers serving under AUSSOM were reportedly killed in the Lower Shabelle region.
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