Al-Shabaab militants have intensified their campaign in Somalia’s Middle Shabelle region, capturing key towns, including Masajid Ali Gadud and Adan Yabaal, in a series of coordinated assaults. The group’s latest offensive began with a devastating suicide vehicle-borne explosive (SVBIED) attack on Masajid Ali Gadud, followed by heavy clashes that overwhelmed local defenses due to the absence of Somali National Army (SNA) reinforcements.
In what appears to be a tactical withdrawal, Somali forces have retreated from Nur Dugle and Adan Yabaal, consolidating their positions in Wargaadhi—one of the few remaining government-held towns in the region. The fall of Adan Yabaal, a critical logistical hub, marks a significant setback for Somalia’s military campaign, as the town had been under government control since 2022.