The Somali Regional State of Ethiopia has delivered a shipment of essential supplies to Somalia’s Hiiraan region, located within the Federal Member State of HirShabelle, in a gesture of cross-border solidarity aimed at supporting local forces engaged in combatting the Al-Shabaab insurgency.
The aid package, which included food, medical supplies, and other necessities, was handed over to local authorities and community fighters—often referred to as “local heroes”—who have been on the frontlines resisting Al-Shabaab’s presence in central Somalia.
These forces, made up of Somali National Army (SNA) units and allied community militias, have played a critical role in reclaiming territory from the militant group.
Officials from both sides commended the delivery, emphasizing the shared security interests between communities in Ethiopia’s Somali Region and neighboring areas of Somalia.
“This support demonstrates our unwavering commitment to our Somali brothers and sisters in Hiiraan who are bravely defending their land and people,” said a representative from Ethiopia’s Somali State.
Hiiraan has been a focal point in Somalia’s ongoing offensive against Al-Shabaab, with residents forming self-defense groups known locally as Macawiisley, who have been instrumental in pushing back militant control from rural villages.
The delivery comes amid broader regional cooperation aimed at stabilizing border areas and disrupting militant mobility between Somalia and Ethiopia. Both countries have pledged increased coordination in intelligence sharing and counter-terrorism operations.
This assistance not only boosts morale on the ground but also highlights the growing role of local and regional actors in countering terrorism and promoting grassroots resilience in the Horn of Africa.