On Tuesday, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud visited Adan Yabal in the HirShabelle State, underscoring the government’s commitment to combating the militant group Al-Shabaab.
His visit aimed to boost the morale of national forces and foster collaboration with local communities in the ongoing fight against terrorism.
Adan Yabal, a strategic town located about 220 kilometers north of Mogadishu, was liberated from Al-Shabaab control in December 2022 after being under the group’s rule for over a decade.
The town’s liberation marked a significant milestone in the government’s offensive against the militants.
During his visit, President Mohamud met with officers of the Somali National Army, local forces, regional authorities, and community leaders.
Discussions centered on enhancing their collective role in combating Al-Shabaab and restoring basic services such as hospitals, schools, and other social amenities to the residents of Adan Yabal.
This visit is part of a broader strategy by the Federal Government of Somalia, involving not just military action but also collaborative efforts with local communities to restore peace and stability in the country.
However, the security situation remains volatile.
On March 18, 2025, a roadside bomb exploded near the presidential palace in Mogadishu, targeting President Mohamud’s convoy as he was en route to the airport to oversee military operations against Al-Shabaab in the southern regions.
The President was unharmed, but the attack resulted in casualties.
Despite such threats, President Mohamud’s continued presence in frontline areas like Adan Yabal demonstrates the government’s resolve to eliminate the militant threat and restore normalcy to regions previously under Al-Shabaab control.