Date: April 16, 2025
Source: Reuters
On April 16, 2025, Al-Shabaab militants seized control of the strategic town of Adan Yabaal in central Somalia. This town had previously served as a key operational base for Somali government forces conducting raids against the insurgent group. Reuters
The assault involved intense fighting, leading to a tactical withdrawal by Somali National Army (SNA) troops. Aden Ismail, a military officer involved in evacuating wounded soldiers, confirmed the retreat, stating, “After many hours of fighting we made a tactical retreat.” Reuters
Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attack, asserting that they had overrun ten military outposts during the offensive. The group has been intensifying its operations in recent weeks, including briefly capturing villages within 50 kilometers of Mogadishu. Reuters+1Reuters+1
In response to the escalating threat, the Somali government has deployed additional security forces, including police officers and prison guards, to support the military efforts. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who recently visited Adan Yabaal to assess the situation, addressed the nation, emphasizing that the loss of a single town does not signify defeat in the broader conflict. Reuters+1Reuters+1
The capture of Adan Yabaal by Al-Shabaab underscores the group’s resilience and the ongoing challenges faced by Somali forces in securing the region. The situation remains fluid, with government forces regrouping to counter the insurgent advances.
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