Garowe, Somalia – The government of Puntland State has strongly condemned the recent seizure of Mahaas town in the Hiiraan region by the militant group Al-Shabaab, calling it a dangerous escalation that highlights the urgent need for a united and comprehensive national counterterrorism strategy.
In a statement released Monday, Puntland authorities denounced the attack as a direct threat to Somalia’s ongoing stabilization efforts and emphasized that terrorism continues to hinder peace, governance, and development across the country.
“The fall of Mahaas is not just a local security failure—it is a national emergency. Puntland reiterates its commitment to standing with all Somali people against the evil of Al-Shabaab and urges immediate, coordinated action by federal and state actors to reclaim lost territories and protect civilians,” the statement read.
Mahaas, a strategic town in the Hiiraan region of HirShabelle State, had previously served as a key military and logistical hub for joint Somali government and local clan militia forces. Its seizure by Al-Shabaab marks a significant blow to recent counterinsurgency gains made in central Somalia.
Puntland’s warning comes amid growing concern over the deteriorating security situation in central regions, including Galgadud (under Galmudug State) and Hiiraan, where Al-Shabaab has intensified its activities through ambushes, roadside bombs, and targeted assassinations.
Security analysts note that the fall of Mahaas underscores the fragility of recent gains made during federal-led military offensives, many of which were supported by local militias and international partners.
In its statement, Puntland also called on the Federal Government of Somalia to reassess its national security approach and ensure that all federal member states are integrated into a cohesive plan that addresses the root causes of extremism and equips regional forces with adequate support and training.
The Puntland government reaffirmed its solidarity with the people of Hiiraan and Galgadud and reiterated its readiness to contribute to any multi-state initiative aimed at defeating Al-Shabaab and restoring peace in Somalia’s heartland.
This development comes as the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) continues its phased withdrawal, with local forces expected to assume greater responsibility for security—a transition many now worry may be premature given recent territorial losses.