Mogadishu, Somalia – Somali government forces and allied clan militias are mobilizing to retake a strategic town in the central Hiiraan region after it was captured by Al-Shabaab militants in a major assault, according to local sources and officials.
Tensions remained high in and around the town of Moqokori on Tuesday after fighters from the Al-Qaeda-linked group overran it following a complex attack that began with explosions. The capture represents a significant, if localized, setback for a sweeping government offensive that had pushed the militants out of large swathes of territory.
Communications to Moqokori and its surrounding areas have been completely severed, local sources confirmed, making it difficult to ascertain the number of casualties from the heavy fighting. Somali forces, alongside local “Macawiisley” militiamen, have reportedly regrouped nearby and are preparing a counter-offensive with reinforcements that have arrived in the area.
The fall of the town highlights the persistent threat posed by Al-Shabaab and its capacity to launch significant attacks despite being under sustained military pressure.
A strategic reversal
Al-Shabaab’s assault on Sunday targeted both Moqokori and the adjacent village of Gumarre, areas that government and local forces had recently secured. The attack is seen as a direct response to the town’s growing importance as a staging ground for recent government-led operations.
“Moqokori is an important district,” stated Mogadishu based analyst who talked to Caasimada Online. “It has been a center for major mobilization against Al-Shabaab, and recent operations planned from there had weakened the group, which led to it becoming a target.”
Located in the eastern part of the Hiiraan region, Moqokori lies on a key route connecting central Somalia to the coast. Its control is vital for managing supply lines and troop movements, making its loss a tactical blow to the government’s campaign in the region.
The Somali Federal Government, under President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, declared an “all-out war” against Al-Shabaab in 2022. The first phase of the offensive, heavily reliant on the support of clan militias known as the Macawiisley, achieved notable success, liberating dozens of towns and villages, particularly in the states of Hirshabelle (where Hiiraan is located) and Galmudug.
The Macawiisley—a term referring to the traditional sarong worn by the fighters—represents a grassroots uprising against Al-Shabaab’s harsh rule and taxation, a movement the government has successfully leveraged. These local forces provide crucial intelligence and workforce, complementing the Somali National Army (SNA).
However, the offensive has faced challenges, including the onset of seasonal rains and the militants’ strategic retreats and counter-attacks. Analysts at organizations such as the International Crisis Group have noted that while the government has reclaimed territory, consolidating control and preventing militant resurgence remains a critical and challenging task. The attack on Moqokori underscores this vulnerability.
An enduring insurgency
Al-Shabaab has been waging a brutal insurgency against the Somali government for more than 15 years, seeking to impose its strict interpretation of Islamic law. Despite losing control of major cities like Mogadishu since 2011, the group remains a potent force in many rural parts of the country.
The militants frequently carry out deadly attacks against military, government, and civilian targets. Their ability to seize a town like Moqokori demonstrates their resilience and sophisticated operational planning, often employing a combination of guerrilla tactics, suicide bombings, and conventional assaults.
As government forces prepare to retake the town, the situation in Moqokori serves as a stark reminder of the volatile and dynamic nature of the conflict in Somalia. The success or failure of the impending counter-attack will be a crucial indicator of the current momentum in the long fight against Al-Shabaab.