On Saturday, March 22, 2025, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud convened a meeting in Adale with military commanders and local hero leaders, urging them to expedite operations to eliminate terrorists in HirShabelle State.
This initiative is part of the ongoing 2025 Shabelle offensive, a concerted effort by the Somali government to combat Al-Shabaab militants in the region.
The Ma’awisley militias, local self-defense groups formed by farmers and herders, have played a pivotal role in this offensive.
Initially mobilized to resist Al-Shabaab’s demands for taxation and recruits, these militias have received government support and coordination, enhancing their effectiveness against the militants.
In recent developments, the United Nations Security Council extended sanctions against Al-Shabaab on March 4, 2025, focusing on illegal arms and charcoal exports, to curb the group’s funding sources.
Additionally, the Somali government has intensified military operations in HirShabelle, aiming to liberate areas under Al-Shabaab control before Eid al-Fitr.
President Mohamud’s engagement with military and local leaders in Adale underscores the government’s commitment to strengthening collaborations and accelerating efforts to restore peace and stability in HirShabelle State.